Pancreatitis

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes needed to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. These enzymes flow directly into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. In addition, the organ has specialized endocrine cells which produce insulin and glucagon which control blood sugar levels (3:8, 4:2035). The pancreas also secretes large quantities of sodium bicarbonate into the duodenum which neutralizes acid coming from the stomach (2:504).

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas that occurs as one sudden episode and may be fatal in five to 10 percent of cases in its most severe form (3, 4, 7). With complications, the mortality rate may rise to 35 percent. Complications can include kidney failure, shock, and respiratory failure (7:44). Local complications include pancreatic necrosis with or without infection, and the development of pseudocysts which contain a collection of pancreatic secretions (7:48). Fistulas caused by disruption of the pancreatic duct can also occur. Internal fistulas may communicate with the colon, small bowel, or biliary system or they may track t

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in cats have shown that the stimulation of pancreatic secretion by secretin or cholecystokinin had minimal effect on the mean arterial pressure but produced a significant increase in pancreatic blood flow (8). The studies also showed that inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis under both basal and stimulated conditions was associated with a significant increase in mean arterial pressure, suggesting an increase in mesenteric vascular resistance. This study may prove important in finding ways to increase blood flow to the pancreas during attacks of pancreatitis to help maintain the viability of pancreatic tissues. Intubation is used to remove fluids in the stomach and prevent further vomiting (2, 7). If symptoms persist and the patient is not eating, enteral feeding beyond the ligament of Treitz via a long nasoenteral tube may be preferable to parenteral nutrition. It is important to provide adequate nutrition or recovery may be slowed and prejudice the outcome if surgery is required (7). Pain killers may also be prescribed, and medication may be given to reduce the flow of pancreatic enzymes. Once the pain subsides, fluids will be given orally, and then food, and the patient is usually discharged from the hospital in one to
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Approximate Word count = 1968
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)

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