What is gallstone pancreatitis?
Gallstone pancreatitis (also called biliary pancreatitis) is a serious condition that occurs when gallstones obstruct the pancreatic duct, leading to inflammation and injury of the pancreas (pancreatitis). When gallstones block the flow of pancreatic enzymes into the small intestine, it causes digestive juices to accumulate within the pancreas, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential complications.
What causes gallstone pancreatitis?
Gallstone pancreatitis is primarily caused by the presence of gallstones obstructing the pancreatic duct. Other factors that may contribute to the development of gallstone pancreatitis include:
- Individuals with gallbladder disease, such as cholecystitis or cholelithiasis, are at an increased risk of developing gallstone pancreatitis.
- Structural abnormalities of the bile ducts or pancreatic duct may predispose individuals to pancreatic duct obstruction and pancreatitis.
- Certain factors, such as obesity, a high-fat diet, family history of gallstones, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, may increase the risk of developing gallstone pancreatitis.
What are symptoms of gallstone pancreatitis?
Symptoms of gallstone pancreatitis may include:
- Sudden and intense pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back or chest.
- Feelings of nausea and vomiting may accompany abdominal pain, particularly after eating.
- Elevated body temperature and chills may indicate inflammation or infection.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) may occur if the pancreatic duct obstruction also affects the bile ducts, leading to bile accumulation.
How is gallstone pancreatitis diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosing gallstone pancreatitis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate the pancreas and gallbladder. Treatment for gallstone pancreatitis aims to relieve symptoms, manage complications, and prevent recurrence, and may include:
- ain medications and IV fluids may be administered to alleviate abdominal pain and prevent dehydration.
- Close monitoring in a hospital setting, nutritional support and management of complications such as infection or organ failure may be necessary during the acute phase of gallstone pancreatitis.
- Procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgical removal of gallstones may be performed to relieve pancreatic duct obstruction.