Pancreatitis may occur when gallstones are blocking the pancreatic duct. The common bile duct and the pancreatic duct join at the Ampulla of Vater. At the Ampulla of Vater, both of these structures empty into the small bowel. Thus, if stones in the bile duct block the pancreatic duct, gallstone pancreatitis may result.
The pancreas has two main functions in the body. The endocrine function reflects the secretion of hormones, primarily insulin, into the bloodstream. Insulin then controls glucose levels. The second function of the pancreas is called the exocrine function. The exocrine function is to aid in digestion. The pancreas secretes a combination of pancreatic enzymes and bicarbonate that are mixed with bile in order to digest food.
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it is called pancreatitis. The enzymes that usually aid in digestion begin to digest the pancreas. Thus, as its own enzymes digest the pancreas, more enzymes are released into the pancreas. This continues to inflame the pancreas and causes complications of pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis may be related to alcohol, gallstones, medications or surgery. Chronic pancreatitis occurs after there have been repeated injuries to the pancreas. It is perplexing that approximately one-third of all causes of acute pancreatitis are due to unknown causes.
Acute pancreatitis requires hospitalization in order to put the pancreas to rest. The patient is not allowed to eat or drink but is given intravenous fluids and analgesics to control the pain. By putting the pancreas to rest, further neurologic and endocrine stimulation of the pancreas is stopped and the pancreas has the ability to begin to repair itself and stop the inflammation and digestion.
Chronic pancreatitis is treated as an outpatient, usually with removal any aggravating substances, treatment of any underlying conditions and pancreatic supplements. Analgesics may be provided in order to decrease the pain.
These two types of pancreatitis, acute and chronic, are very different and need to be managed closely by appropriately trained physicians.
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Other Gastrointestinal Diseases:
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Crohn's Disease |
Colon Cancer |
Colon Polyps |
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines for 2001 |
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Diarrhea |
Diverticulosis |
Esophageal Strictures |
Fecal Incontenence |
Gastrointestinal Bleeding |
GERD Treatment Guidelines Summary |
Helicobacter Pylori |
Hemorrhoids |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
Lactose Intolerance |
Malabsorption Syndromes |
Pancreatic Cancer |
Pancreatitis |
Pilonidal Cysts |
Puritis Ani |
Rectal Abscess |
Rectal Prolapse |
Treatment of Anal Fissures |
Ulcerative Colitis |
Whipple's Disease
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