Ahilyanagar, November 11, 2026: Saideep Sahyadri Hospital, part of the Manipal Hospitals network, has performed its first Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) procedure for pancreatic stones in Ahilyanagar, treating a 49-year-old patient with chronic calcific pancreatitis who had suffered severe abdominal pain for more than two years.
The patient, who visited the hospital on October 12, 2026, had previously undergone multiple Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures and repeated pancreatic stenting at another facility, but continued to experience persistent symptoms. Upon evaluation at Saideep Sahyadri Hospital, doctors identified multiple stones in the pancreatic duct, including a large stone measuring approximately 1–1.5 cm, making conventional endoscopic removal difficult.
Multidisciplinary team manages complex case
The ESWL procedure was carried out over two to three sessions by a team led by Dr. Indranil Kulkarni, Consultant Gastroenterologist, and Dr. Niraj Gandhi, Urologist. The treatment involved breaking down the stones into smaller fragments to facilitate their removal via ERCP and restore normal pancreatic duct flow. The patient experienced a significant reduction in abdominal pain and associated symptoms following the sessions, with notable improvement observed during a follow-up consultation on October 21, 2026.
Background on pancreatic stones and treatment
Pancreatic stones are often linked to chronic pancreatitis and can result from factors such as long-term alcohol use, gallstone-related disease, hereditary conditions, or other causes. These stones may block the pancreatic ducts, leading to recurring pain and digestive issues. While smaller stones can sometimes be managed endoscopically, larger or impacted stones may require interventions like ESWL for effective removal.
Hospital leadership comments on milestone
Dr. Indranil Kulkarni said the case demonstrated the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex pancreatic conditions, as the patient’s previous treatments had not alleviated his symptoms. Dr. Venkatesh Mule, Hospital Director at Saideep Sahyadri Hospital, Ahilyanagar, stated that the successful introduction of the ESWL procedure represents a significant step in expanding advanced gastroenterology care for patients in Ahilyanagar and nearby areas.
Saideep Sahyadri Hospital operates as a network hospital of Manipal Hospitals, providing specialised medical services in the region.
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