Gallstone pancreatitis
Pancreatitis Treatment in Pune & Mumbai
What Is Gallstone Pancreatitis?
Gallstone pancreatitis is a dangerous condition where gallstones obstruct the bile duct, causing pancreatitis. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes that digest food, but when obstructed, these enzymes begin to attack the pancreas, resulting in severe pain and complications. If not addressed early, gallstone pancreatitis can lead to life-threatening complications such as infections, organ failure, and internal bleeding.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Gallstone pancreatitis patients usually have sharp and severe pain in the upper abdominal region, which spreads to the back. Nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating, jaundice, and tachycardia are also symptoms. Pain can be exacerbated after consuming fatty food, and in some serious cases, the patient can suffer from shortness of breath because inflammation spreads to other organs.
Why Does It Occur?
Gallstones are caused by a disturbance in bile composition. As the stones enter the bile duct and blockage of the pancreatic duct occurs, it interferes with normal passage of enzymes and causes inflammation. Risk factors also involve obesity, high-fat eating, rapid weight loss, diabetes, and familial history of gallstones.
Treatment Options for Gallstone Pancreatitis
The treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition and the risk of complications:
- Hospitalization and Supportive Care:- Immediate medical attention is required, including fasting to rest the pancreas, IV fluids to prevent dehydration, and pain management.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP):- A minimally invasive procedure used to remove gallstones lodged in the bile or pancreatic ducts without surgery.
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:- Once the inflammation subsides, the gallbladder is surgically removed to prevent further episodes of pancreatitis.
- Lifestyle Modifications:- Dietary changes, weight management, and avoiding fatty foods can help prevent gallstone formation in high-risk individuals.
The Importance of Early Treatment
Unnecessary delay in the treatment of gallstone pancreatitis may result in serious complications like pancreatic necrosis, formation of an abscess, and multi-organ failure. Early medical attention provides an improved prognosis and decreases recurrence risk.
