Patients usually present with chronic pain, either persistent continuous pain or postprandial pain.
An anatomic abnormality should be evident in any patient selected for operative treatment for pancreatic pain. Patients with chronic pancreatitis may be at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Diabetes, jaundice, and problems with digestion are also frequently seen. CT scan, ultrasonography, MRCP, or ERCP usually makes the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and its complications. Biliary or duodenal obstruction and evidence of portal hypertension may also be present.