The document provides information about pancreatitis. It describes the pancreas' location and functions. Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic. Common causes are gallstones and alcohol. Risk factors include gallstone disease and prolonged alcohol use. Symptoms include abdominal pain and nausea. Diagnosis involves blood tests, imaging scans, and endoscopy. Treatment focuses on intravenous fluids and pain management; surgery may be needed for severe cases. Prevention involves limiting alcohol, smoking, and a low-fat diet.

1. Pegasus Health Care Co.
Dotty VanPelt
December 20, 2010
Pancreatitis

2. Pancreatitis – The Organ
• Sits below the liver and behind the stomach
• Connected to gallbladder by bile duct
• Fish shaped
• 6 inches long
• Part of Endocrine and Digestive Systems
• Insulin production
• Manufactures and secretes digestive enzymes

3. Pancreatitis – What is it?
Pancreatitis is the most excruciating pain
known to man.
It is a disease in which the pancreas
becomes inflamed.
• Acute Pancreatitis – sudden onset
• Chronic Pancreatitis – recurring or
persistent

4. Pancreatitis - Symptoms
• Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Swollen and tender abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure

5. Pancreatitis – Causes
Most common causes:
• Gallstones
• Alcohol
• Cancer
Other causes:
• Medications
• Lipid Disorders
• Infections
• Surgery
• Trauma to the Abdomen

6. Pancreatitis – Risk Factors
Acute Pancreatitis
• Gallstone Disease
• Heavy alcohol consumption
Chronic Pancreatitis
• Prolonged alcohol use

7. Pancreatitis – Risk Factors
• Pancreatitis can happen to anyone
• Common in people with Gallstone disease, or who
consume large amounts of alcohol
• Usually men between the ages of 30 and 45
• Acute pancreatitis may be the first sign of gallstone
disease
• Link between gallstones and acute pancreatitis

8. Pancreatitis - Complications
• Shock
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels)
• High blood glucose
• Dehydration
• Kidney failure
• Respiratory complications
• Multi organ system failure
• Acute fluid retention

9. Pancreatitis - Diagnosis
• Pancreatic Function Test – blood work to
check digestive enzyme levels (amylase and
lipase)
• Glucose Tolerance Test – measures damage
to the cells that make insulin
• Ultrasound – images that can show
abnormalities
• CT Scan – images that can show
abnormalities

10. Pancreatitis - Diagnosis
• Endoscopic Retrograde
Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – looks at
pancreas and bile ducts using contrast and x-
rays
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and biopsy –
fine needle is inserted into abnormality to
remove a small sample for testing

11. Pancreatitis - Treatment
• Primarily treated with intravenous fluids
and pain medications
• Nothing to eat or drink for 48 hours
• Can be so severe that patients must be
admitted to an intensive care unit
• The patient is closely monitored

12. Pancreatitis - Treatment
• Can result in the death of pancreatic tissue
(pancreatic necrosis) and surgery would be
needed
• The gallbladder may need to be removed
as well
• Laparoscopic surgery to remove fluid

13. Pancreatitis - Treatment
• Pancreatic enzymes and/or insulin may be
given to the patient
• Surgery may relieve pain and help restore
proper drainage
• Antibiotics

14. Pancreatitis - Prevention
• Limit or omit alcohol
• Chemical Dependency counseling
• Stop smoking
• Eat a low-fat diet with a lot of fruits and
vegetables
• Moderate exercise is also helpful

15. Pancreatitis - Video

16. Pancreatitis – Q&A
Questions and Answers