Saideep Sahyadri Hospital Performs First-Ever ESWL Procedure for Pancreatic Stones in Ahilyanagar
Ahilyanagar : Saideep Sahyadri Hospital, a network hospital of Manipal Hospitals, has successfully performed its first-ever Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) procedure for pancreatic stones in Ahilyanagar. The procedure was performed on a 49-year-old patient suffering from severe abdominal pain for over two years.
The patient visited Saideep Sahyadri Hospital on October 12, 2026, with complaints of severe abdominal pain. He had been suffering from chronic calcific pancreatitis, a condition characterised by long-standing inflammation of the pancreas and the formation of calcium deposits or stones within the pancreatic ducts. Before visiting the hospital, the patient had undergone multiple Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures and repeated pancreatic stenting at another healthcare facility. However, despite these interventions, he continued to experience persistent abdominal pain.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Indranil Kulkarni, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Saideep Sahyadri Hospital, Ahilyanagar – a network hospital of Manipal Hospitals, said, “The patient had been suffering from severe abdominal pain for more than two years. He had previously undergone multiple ERCP procedures and repeated pancreatic stenting, but the pain persisted. On evaluation, we found multiple stones in the pancreatic duct, including a large stone measuring approximately 1–1.5 cm. Due to their size and clustered formation, conventional endoscopic removal was challenging. We therefore decided to use ESWL to break the stones into smaller fragments over two to three sessions. This would make their removal through ERCP easier and help restore the normal flow through the pancreatic duct. Following the treatment, the patient experienced a significant reduction in symptoms. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex pancreatic conditions.”
The patient underwent two to three sessions of ESWL under the combined expertise of the Gastroenterology and Urology teams. After the treatment, the patient experienced a significant reduction in abdominal pain and other associated symptoms. During his follow-up consultation on October 21, 2026, his condition showed considerable improvement.
Pancreatic stones are commonly associated with chronic pancreatitis and may develop due to several factors, including long-term alcohol consumption, gallstone-related pancreatic disease, hereditary conditions and other underlying causes. These stones can obstruct the pancreatic ducts, resulting in recurring abdominal pain and other digestive complications. While smaller stones may sometimes be managed through endoscopic techniques, larger or impacted stones may require additional interventions such as ESWL to facilitate their removal.
Commenting on this achievement, Dr Venkatesh Mule, Hospital Director, Saideep Sahyadri Hospital, Ahilyanagar, A network hospital of Manipal Hospitals, said, “The successful introduction of this procedure marks an important step in bringing advanced gastroenterology care closer to patients in Ahilyanagar and surrounding regions. We remain committed to strengthening specialised medical services through skilled doctors, advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.”
The procedure was performed through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Indranil Kulkarni, Consultant Gastroenterologist, and Dr. Niraj Gandhi, Urologist, highlighting the role of multidisciplinary expertise in managing complex pancreatic conditions
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