A blocked pancreatic duct means the tube that drains digestive juices from your pancreas is narrowed or stopped. That backup can cause pain, repeated pancreatitis, poor digestion, and weight loss. If you've ever had unexplained upper belly pain or greasy stools, this is worth reading.
Common causes are simple: gallstones that migrate into the ducts, chronic pancreatitis that scars and narrows the duct, pancreatic stones, tumors pressing on the duct, or strictures after injury or surgery. Less often it’s from congenital narrowing or autoimmune pancreatitis.
Symptoms usually include steady upper abdominal pain that can radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fatty, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea) from poor enzyme flow. Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) appears if the bile duct is also blocked. Repeated flare-ups of pancreatitis or unexplained weight loss are red flags.
Doctors start with a history and blood tests (amylase, lipase, liver tests). Imaging helps confirm the blockage. CT scan and abdominal ultrasound are common first steps. MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) gives a non-invasive view of ducts. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) finds small stones or tumors. The working test is ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) — it both shows the problem and often treats it during the same procedure.
Treatment depends on cause. If a stone or tight spot is the problem, ERCP is used to remove stones, stretch strictures, or place a stent to keep the duct open. For chronic scarring that doesn’t respond to endoscopy, surgery to drain or bypass the blocked segment may be needed. If a tumor causes the blockage, surgery or oncology care follows specific tumor protocols.
During infection or severe pancreatitis, you may need hospital care, IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain control. For long-term issues, pancreatic enzyme replacement (lipase/protease/amylase pills) helps digestion and prevents weight loss. If the pancreas stops making insulin, diabetes treatment may be needed.
Personal care matters: avoid heavy alcohol use, follow a low-fat diet if you have steatorrhea, and keep triglycerides under control. If gallstones are the cause, your doctor may recommend gallbladder removal to prevent recurrence.
When to seek urgent care: severe, worsening abdominal pain, fever, rapid heartbeat, fainting, or new jaundice. Those can mean infected ducts or severe pancreatitis and need immediate treatment.
Ask your doctor about imaging options, whether ERCP is right for you, and long-term plans for enzyme support or surgery. A clear diagnosis makes treatment straightforward, so push for the tests if symptoms keep coming back.
Regular checkups are crucial for patients with pancreatic duct blockage. Early detection and proper management can significantly improve health outcomes. This article provides essential information and tips for patients, emphasizing the importance of routine medical visits and monitoring.