When dealing with pancreatic duct blockage, a condition where the duct that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas becomes narrowed or clogged. Also known as pancreatic duct obstruction, it can trigger pancreatitis and even raise the risk of pancreatic cancer. The blockage often occurs alongside bile duct obstruction, creating a backup that hurts both the pancreas and the liver. Understanding these connections lets you see why early detection matters.
Most blockages start with gallstones, scar tissue, or inflammatory swellings that squeeze the narrow tube. Alcohol abuse, high‑fat diets, and chronic inflammation also make the duct walls thicken, a process known as fibrosis. Doctors use ultrasound, CT scans, or MRCP to spot the narrowing before it sparks severe pain. Once identified, the go‑to procedure is ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), where a tiny camera threads through the mouth to the duodenum and opens the duct with a tiny balloon or stent. Sometimes, a separate stent placement is needed to keep the passage open long‑term.
Treatment doesn’t stop at the procedure. Doctors often prescribe pancreatic enzyme supplements to help digestion while the duct heals. Lifestyle tweaks—cutting alcohol, eating smaller low‑fat meals, and staying hydrated—reduce the chance of another blockage. In rare cases where scar tissue is extensive, surgeons may perform a pancreaticojejunostomy to reroute the flow. Below you’ll find articles that break down each step in plain language, from spotting the first ache to choosing the right enzyme blend. Keep reading to get practical tips, see real‑world case studies, and learn which options fit your situation best.
Explore how a blocked pancreatic duct reshapes exocrine and endocrine function, drives chronic pancreatitis, fibrosis, malabsorption and diabetes, and what modern diagnostics and treatments can do.
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