- Pancreatitis:
- By: Gaurang Pandya, MD -© 2006 all rights reserved
What is Pancreas?
Exocrine: Pancreas is a gland that has dual functions exocrine and endocrine. It
produces very
potent digestive
enzymes and juices that are transmitted to the intestinal tract via system
of ducts and tubes. Pancreatic digestive enzymes break down the protein molecules in to
smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. Pancreas produces an
inactive form of the enzyme that is normally activated after it reaches the intestine. This function is called exocrine function.
Endocrine: In pancreas
there are cells called islet cells of Langerhans, as they were first found
by Langerhans, and they produce hormones called Insulin and Glucagon that is directly
secreted in the blood stream. This function is called endocrine function.
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the Pancreas. When these enzymes are activated before
they reach intestine
then they begin to digest the pancreas itself. This is called Pancreatitis.
Can Pancreatitis Cause Death?
Fortunately only 5 to 10 % cases the Pancreatitis are very severe. In
these severe cases the pancreas is so much inflamed that it produces internal bleeding. This is called hemorrhagic Pancreatitis.
Complications of severe pancreatitis can lead to death.
What causes the Pancreatitis?
There are many causal factors that may lead to Pancreatitis. Gall
stones blocking the common bile duct and alcohol are two important
factors. Gall stones can be managed by
removal of the gallbladder by Laparoscopic Surgery.
Alcohol ingestion can be controlled by avoiding alcohol.
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