Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause various damage and complications. Surgical treatment in the form of pancreatitis surgery is often the only way to treat it effectively. Pancreatic surgery is a branch of visceral surgery.
Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for pancreatitis surgery.
The pancreas is medically called the pancreas. As an organ, it breaks down and metabolizes fats in food.
The pancreas is also responsible for the production of insulin. Insulin allows sugar to be absorbed by the body's cells and is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
Acute inflammation of the pancreas can be harmless but can also be life-threatening.
The necrotizing form is particularly dangerous, as local tissue dies off. Ultimately, this form can lead to multiple organ failure and makes surgical treatment unavoidable.
After a detailed medical history and a physical examination of the patient, a blood test is usually carried out. The patient's blood will show signs of inflammation, a possible tumor and the current function of the pancreas.
If the doctor then suspects pancreatic disease, further examinations are carried out. Doctors then use imaging (CT or ultrasound) and endoscopic procedures(MRCP and ERCP).
Gallstones that trigger pancreatitis often require the removal of the gallbladder © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
In the case of acute necrotizing pancreatitis, the visceral surgeon removes the dead or inflamed tissue.
He then places a drain to prevent the inflammation from spreading further. A drain is a plastic tube through which inflammatory fluid and pus can drain away. This procedure is also known as a Frey operation.
In the case of chronic inflammation of the pancreas, the doctor may have to remove the non-functioning part of the pancreas. To do this, he opens the duct in the pancreas in which enzymes are collected and passed on to the intestine. He can also remove any pancreatic duct stones that may be present.
The surgeon then sews a piece of small intestine onto the opened pancreatic duct. The connection created in this way is the new access route for the digestive enzymes.
It is often necessary to remove the gallbladder at the same time as the operation.
If the cause of the acute pancreatitis is known, it must be treated sustainably.
In the case of lipometabolic disorders or gallstones, for example, it may be necessary to remove the gallbladder. This can prevent gallstones from forming again and prevent inflammation. After an uncomplicated course of acute pancreatitis, no further measures are otherwise necessary.
In the case of alcohol-induced inflammation of the pancreas, the person affected must significantly reduce their alcohol consumption. Some experts recommend completely abstaining from alcohol for six months or a year after pancreatitis. Whether abstinence from alcohol generally reduces the risk of relapse after pancreatitis has not yet been conclusively clarified.
In the event of severe complications during pancreatitis, further treatment is usually required after hospitalization.
Many patients experience severe weight loss during the illness. In some cases, patients complain of a loss of appetite for weeks. It takes a correspondingly long time for the patient to regain their original body weight. During this period, nutritional advice may be useful and helpful.
In some patients, the pancreas is temporarily no longer fully functional after the illness has been overcome. It can no longer produce sufficient digestive juices. In this case, artificial enzymes can be taken. These support the absorption of fats from food.
After surviving acute pancreatitis, there is also an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus. This disease may in turn require further treatment.
Acute inflammation of the pancreas can be treated very well today. In most cases, they therefore heal without consequences.
Specialists for pancreatitis surgery are visceral surgeons. They can specialize further by focusing on pancreatic surgery. This makes them the right people to contact for a thorough diagnosis and safe implementation of the appropriate treatment.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
