Endoscopic drainage of the main pancreatic duct is an established method of treatment of painful obstructive calcified chronic pancreatitis (CP). It involves disintegration of calcifications using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) followed by endoscopic removal of stone fragments, possibly associated with stent insertion. A pilot study suggests that ESWL alone in calcified CP is followed by spontaneous elimination of stone fragments and pain relief, without sphincterotomy. After ESWL alone, the exocrine function was found to return to normal values in some cases. Potential benefits include lower costs and morbidity as well as wider availability compared to endoscopic techniques.