Introduction to Acute Pancreatitis
The pancreas is located behind the stomach, and is responsible for manufacturing hormones and enzymes, including insulin and glucagon. Enzymes facilitate food digestion and its subsequent conversion to cellular fuel. Enzymes often undergo activation in the small intestine after production.
The pancreatic tissue is digested when the enzymes begin to work within the pancreas. The organ and its blood vessels are damaged, and there is swelling and bleeding as a result. Acute pancreatitis is the result of this. The pancreas swells and inflames unexpectedly.
Etiology of Pancreatitis
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypercalcemia, hereditary pancreatitis, and malnutrition are metabolic diseases.
- Diseases such as mumps, viral hepatitis, and Infectious agents
- Choledochal Cyst
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Pancreatic Divisum
- Traumatic pancreatic injury or complications from an ERCP or endoscopic ultrasound with a fine needle aspirate
- Pancreatitis caused by surgical procedures
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis
- Severe pain in the upper or middle abdomen that travels to the back or left shoulder blade; this pain might get worse within minutes of consuming foods or drinks that are high in fat.
- Vomiting
- Fever heart rate
- Decreased hunger
- Flutters with a shudder
- Headache Irritability
- Yellowish discolouration of the eyes (jaundice)
- Gaseous bloating and an enlarged abdomen
- Increased Heart Rate
How is Acute Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
- Blood and laboratory testing: Tests that measure the secretion of pancreatic enzymes will reveal elevated levels of amylase, serum blood lipase, and CBC.
- To diagnose cause of pancreatitis, doctors check the blood with tests such as a complete metabolic panel and a calcium, Parathyroid Hormone, Lipid Profile.
- Abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body.
- CT scan: An abdomen pelvis CT scan can show how bad the damage is and whether there are any problems.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for bile duct stone, pancreatic division.
Treatment of Pancreatitis
A medical emergency occurs in cases of severe acute pancreatitis. Loss of fluid and a drop in blood pressure are symptoms of severe acute pancreatitis. Heart, lung, or renal failure is possible. Pancreatic hemorrhage can cause shock and, potentially, death. Hospitalization is a common part of treatment for acute pancreatitis.
- The intensity of an acute pancreatitis attack dictates the course of treatment. When all other factors have been considered, the primary goal of treatment is to help the pancreas heal by reducing symptoms and bolstering bodily processes.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids and pain, nausea, and vomiting drugs are used to treat acute pancreatitis.
- On occasion, intensive care unit treatment may be necessary as well. Treatment for this illness may also involve the use of several scans.
- Surgery may be necessary for some people. Endoscopic, laparoscopic, and open surgical procedures are all accessible, with the choice being made based on the degree of inflammation.
Necrosectomy
- To treat acute necrotizing pancreatitis, surgeons perform a pancreatic necrosectomy. The standard method for doing a pancreatic necrosectomy involves making an incision in the belly. However, surgeons who have the necessary training can perform this procedure laparoscopically. Laparoscopic ports and a camera allow access to the necrotic cavity. By gently suctioning out purulent debris, one can reduce contamination of the abdominal cavity. In order to establish the appropriate antibiotic therapy to be administered later, a specimen of pus is also taken and sent for culture investigations.
- Complete removal of infected and necrotic tissue is the aim of necrosectomy. The pancreatic tissues and detritus that have necrotized are extracted with the use of forceps. To prevent the abdominal contents from coming into contact with the pancreatic juice, drains are placed in the pancreatic area after the treatment.