What is pancreas?
Pancreas is one of the most fastidious organ in body. Surgeons avoid to touch it unless it is absolutely necessary.
The pancreas is a 12-14 cm long organ located in the upper abdomen in front of the spine. It has two main functions in our body. (1) Exocrine Function: Pancreas produces digestive juices that help in digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. (2) Endocrine Function: Pancreas produces many regulatory hormones like insulin, glucagon etc. Main function is regulation of blood sugar levels.
So, the good health of your pancreas is crucial to a healthy and comfortable lifestyle. To keep your pancreas healthy, we recommend focusing on foods that are rich in proteins, low in animal fats, and contain antioxidants; for example - Spinach, blueberries, cucumbers, cherries, beans, lentils, and whole grains.
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss are a few of the evident symptoms of your pancreas not working properly.
The location of pancreas (behind the stomach) makes it inaccessible for examination and thus, the evaluation of pancreatic diseases can be difficult. Physical examination, stool tests, and blood tests by a Pancreas Specialist can be helpful in examining the role of pancreatic diseases in your symptoms, but the best methods of evaluating pancreas include CAT (computed axial tomography) scan, endoscopic ultrasound, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Tests to evaluate the pancreatic ducts include ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography). While sometimes, surgical exploration by a Pancreatic Surgeon is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
There are a variety of diseases associated with the pancreas. Let us discuss these in detail along with the available options of treatment.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of pancreas that lasts for a short time. It may range from mild discomfort to a severe, life-threatening illness. Most people with acute pancreatitis recover completely after getting the right treatment at the right time. In severe cases, acute pancreatitis can result in bleeding into the gland, serious tissue damage, infection, and cyst formation. Severe pancreatitis can also harm other vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Treatment of pancreatitis for people with acute pancreatitis is typically done with IV fluids and pain medications in the hospital. In some patients, pancreatitis can be severe and they may need to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for oxygen and IV support, and intensive monitoring of heart, lungs and kidneys’ condition. Some cases of severe pancreatitis can result in the death of pancreatic tissue. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the dead or damaged tissue if an infection develops.
An acute attack of pancreatitis usually lasts a few days. If caused by gallstones, it may require removal of the gallbladder or surgery of the bile duct. After the gallstones are removed and the inflammation goes away, the pancreas usually recovers.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas. It most often happens after an episode of acute pancreatitis. Heavy alcohol drinking is another big cause. Damage to the pancreas from heavy alcohol use may not cause symptoms for many years, but then the person may suddenly develop severe pancreatitis symptoms.
Chronic pancreatitis can be difficult to treat; the treatment of which depends mainly on the symptoms. Doctors will try to relieve the patient's pain and improve nutrition. Patients are generally given oral pancreatic enzyme supplements and may need insulin supplementation as well. A low-fat diet may also help.
Surgery may be required in some cases to help relieve abdominal pain, treat chronic pancreatitis caused by blockage of the pancreatic duct, restoring drainage of pancreatic enzymes or hormones, or reduce the frequency of attacks.
Patients must stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, follow their doctor's and dietitian’s dietary advice, and take the proper medications in order to have fewer and milder attacks of pancreatitis.
Hereditary Pancreatitis
While most of the cases of pancreatitis are caused by gallstones, heavy alcohol use, or medications; some cases are also connected to inherited abnormalities of the pancreas or intestine. The most common inherited disorder that leads to chronic pancreatitis is cystic fibrosis.
Hereditary pancreatitis is a lot like chronic pancreatitis with long-lasting or permanent problems. The symptoms and the treatment are also same or similar to that of chronic pancreatitis discussed above.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer begins when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow and divide out of control to form a tumour. The causes for developing pancreatic cancer include smoking, obesity, chemical exposure, family history, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, aging, and certain genetic disorders.
While there are no to very ordinary symptoms in the beginning; when the symptoms do appear, they include – Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to your back, loss of appetite or unintended weight loss, fatigue, depression, and yellowing of the skin/eyes.
Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on two factors – patient’s health and stage/extent of the cancer. Treatment options include Surgery, Radiotherapy, and Chemotherapy.
The most common surgery performed is called a Pancreaticoduodenectomy, or Whipple Procedure, or Whipple Surgery where the head and sometimes the body of the pancreas are removed.
Gujarat Hospital is an Apex Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Care Centre in Gujarat State with a team of renowned and best Pancreas Cancer Doctors and Pancreas Surgeons, with a reputation for managing & successfully performing Complex & Difficult Pancreas Surgeries for many of our patients, who are now leading a comfortable life. The hospital and its staff will make you feel safe as a patient and ensure every comfort is taken care of.
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above in our article, you should consult the top Pancreatic Doctor you know today and, if required – begin the treatment as soon as possible.
At Gujarat Hospital, you will be in the great hands of Dr. Naresh Gabani who is a M.S. (Gold Medalist) and M.Ch. (Surgical Gastroenterology, SGPGI). We are proud to point out that he is the First M.Ch. (Master Degree) Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Surgeon in South Gujarat. His following research papers related to Pancreas at national conferences have received incredible appreciation –
1. Pancreas: Node negative ampullary cancer treated with preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy has a higher incidence of liver metastasis after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
2. Pancreas: Pancreati coduodenectomy for Duodenal GIST- a Five Year Experience.
He has written several other valuable research papers, he has won many prestigious awards, and most importantly – he has cured innumerable patients with his medical experience and expertise.
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above in our article, you should consult the top Pancreatic Doctor you know today and if required – begin the treatment as soon as possible.
While there is no specific rule book of preventing pancreatic diseases, there are a few changes you can bring into your lifestyle to reduce the chances of such disorders like – Stop drinking alcohol, Stop smoking, Choose a low-fat diet, Drink more fluids, and Keep your body at a healthy weight.
We hope that this article was helpful and that you soon get cured of your symptoms to lead a healthy and comfortable life.
While there is no specific rule book of preventing pancreatic diseases, there are a few changes you can bring into your lifestyle to reduce the chances of such disorders like – Stop drinking alcohol, Stop smoking, Choose a low-fat diet, Drink more fluids, and Keep your body at a healthy weight.
We hope that this article was helpful and that you soon get cured of your symptoms to lead a healthy and comfortable life.
Gujarat Hospital is a 24x7 Hours Operational Hospital with emergency services.
Address: Opposite Shree Ram Petrol Pump, Anand Mahal Road, Adajan, Surat - 395009
Email: gujarathospitalsurat@gmail.com
Call: 0261-2782020 / 2792020 or 9033362020
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