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Pancreatitis & Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. This happens when digestive enzymes start digesting or attacking the pancreas itself. The pancreas is a large gland that is about six inches long and sits behind the stomach and near the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The pancreas secretes enzymes into the duodenum. These enzymes join with bile to digest food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to help the body regulate glucose taken from food for energy. Normally, digestive enzymes do not become active until they reach the small intestine. But when the pancreas is inflamed, the enzymes inside it attack and damage the pancreas. Severe pancreatitis can lead to bleeding, infection, and permanent tissue damage. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic.

Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and usually goes away in a few days with treatment. Acute pancreatitis can be a life-threatening illness if there are severe complications. Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve can lead to permanent damage. Chronic pancreatitis, like acute pancreatitis, occurs when digestive enzymes attack the pancreas and nearby tissues, causing episodes of pain.

Symptoms

Most people with chronic pancreatitis experience upper abdominal pain, although some people have no pain at all. The pain may spread to the back, feel worse when eating or drinking, and become constant and disabling. In some cases, abdominal pain goes away as the condition worsens, most likely because the pancreas is no longer making digestive enzymes. Other symptoms may include:¹

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss 
• Diarrhea
• Oily stools

Causes & Risk Factors

Chronic pancreatitis often develops in people who are between the ages of 30 and 40. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is many years of heavy alcohol use. The chronic form of pancreatitis can be triggered by one sudden attack that damages the pancreatic duct. The damaged duct causes the pancreas to become inflamed. Scar tissue develops and the pancreas is slowly destroyed.

Other causes of chronic pancreatitis include:

• Hereditary disorders of the pancreas
• Cystic fibrosis
• Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)
• Hyperlipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia (high level of blood fats)
• Certain medicines
• Certain autoimmune conditions
• Gender (men are at higher risk)

Treatment

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis may require hospitalization for pain management, IV fluids, and nutritional support. A feeding tube may be needed for several weeks if weight loss continues. When a normal diet resumes, the doctor may prescribe synthetic pancreatic enzymes if the pancreas does not secrete enough of its own. Patients are often given nutritional and lifestyle counseling which focuses on: a low fat diet, plenty of fluids, limited caffeinate and no alcoholic beverages, or smoking.

When pancreatic tissue is destroyed in chronic pancreatitis and the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas have been damaged, diabetes may develop. People with a family history of diabetes are more likely to develop the disease. If diabetes occurs, insulin or other medicines are needed to keep blood glucose at normal levels. A health care provider works with the patient to develop a regimen of medication, diet, and frequent blood glucose monitoring.

Surgery

Chronic pancreatitis also can lead to calcification of the pancreas, which means the pancreatic tissue hardens from deposits of calcium salts. Surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the pancreas. If the bottom half or tail of the pancreas is hardened and needs to be removed, this surgery is known as distal pancreatectomy.

With traditional open surgery, a large incision is made to access the pancreas and nearby organs. Open surgery is highly invasive and typically requires a longer hospital stay and recovery than less invasive surgical options. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is considered a safe and effective alternative to open surgery. During laparoscopic surgery, doctors make small incisions, use long-handled instruments and a tiny camera to perform the operation. There are inherent limitations to laparoscopic surgery due to the rigid instruments used, particularly for very complex and delicate operations.

da Vinci® Surgery for Pancreatitis

If your doctor recommends surgery to treat a disease affecting your pancreas, such as chronic pancreatitis, you may be a candidate for safe, effective and minimally invasive da Vinci Surgery.

Using the most advanced technology available, the da Vinci Surgical System enables your doctor to perform this delicate operation through a few tiny incisions with breakthrough vision, precision and control. da Vinci Surgery offers patients many potential benefits compared to traditional surgery, including:

• Reduced surgical trauma²
• Greater chance of preserving your spleen³
• Minimal blood loss⁴
• Shorter hosptial stay³
• Fast recovery²

This procedure is performed using the da Vinci Surgical System, a state-of-the-art surgical platform. By overcoming the limits of both traditional open and laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci is changing the experience of surgery for people around the world.

• The da Vinci Surgical System
• FAQs
• Am I A Candidate?
• Important Safety Information

As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed since surgery is specific to each patient, condition and procedure. It is important to talk to your doctor about all treatment options, including the risks and benefits. This information can help you make the best decision for your situation.