ABSTRACT
Chronic pancreatitis are mainly classified as chronic calcifying pancreatitis (CCP) and chronic obstructive pancreatitis (COP). The first classification was performed in 1963 and reproposed in 1984. Clinical symptoms and natural history of chronic pancreatitis are presented. Pre-operative clinico-radiological findings may be pathognomonic of the disease. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) and per-operative pancreatography and cholangiography are extremely useful for diagnostic purpose. Chronic pancreatitis may induce local inflammatory complications (pseudocysts, chronic serosal effusions, fistulae) duodenal stenosis and segmental portal hypertension. A strict correlation of clinico-pathological findings is very important in the diagnostic procedure of chronic pancreatitis. Intraoperative diagnosis (either histologic, either cytologic) is of paramount importance in the diagnosis of a pancreatic mass. Histology is prominent in the definition of the specific form of pancreatitis.
