Abstract
We report a patient with acute exacerbation of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis whose pain was relieved with Saikokeishito. A 62-year-old man on maintenance hemodialysis developed severe upper abdominal and back pain due to acute exacerbation of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. He was referred to us for the treatment of the pain. Intravenous morphine relieved the pain and was continued for 2 weeks. However, the pain recurred after commencement of oral intake. Although intravenous morphine, fentanyl, atropine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug did not relieve the pain, the pain disappeared within 10 days after the patient started oral Saikokeishito. Parenteral opioids were withheld. Abdominal computed tomography suggested improvement of inflammatory changes of the pancreas. We conclude that Saikokeishito might not only have relieved the pain but also improved inflammation of the pancreas in our patient.
