Pancreatic Duct Blockage: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When dealing with pancreatic duct blockage, an obstruction of the duct that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine. Also known as pancreatic duct obstruction, it often triggers severe abdominal pain and nutrient malabsorption.

One of the main culprits is gallstones, solid particles that can lodge in the duct and block enzyme flow, but tumors, scar tissue, or strictures can also be responsible. When the blockage cuts off pancreatic enzymes, the proteins needed to digest fats, proteins, and carbs they never reach the duodenum, leading to steatorrhea and weight loss. To confirm the problem, doctors often turn to Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a minimally invasive imaging and therapeutic procedure which can visualize the duct, extract stones, or place a temporary stent.

Typical signs include persistent upper‑abdominal pain that radiates to the back, bloating, greasy stools, and unexplained fatigue. Blood tests may reveal elevated lipase or signs of malnutrition, while imaging—CT, MRI, or the aforementioned ERCP—pinpoints the exact site of obstruction. Once identified, treatment paths diverge: acute blockage often needs urgent ERCP to clear the duct, whereas chronic narrowing may be managed with a pancreatic stent, a small tube that keeps the duct open or long‑term enzyme supplementation.

Because enzyme flow is compromised, many patients rely on prescribed digestive enzyme pills to restore nutrient absorption. Likewise, pain control may involve low‑dose analgesics, and if infection sets in, antibiotics such as those compared in our drug guides become relevant. Our collection below includes detailed reviews of enzyme formulations, pain relievers, and antibiotics that often appear in pancreatic care plans, helping you choose safe, affordable options.

Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that walk through each of these topics—from how ERCP works to choosing the right enzyme supplement—so you can quickly find the info you need to understand and manage pancreatic duct blockage.