Complications due to Acute Pancreataitis

Complications due to Acute Pancreataitis

Severe cases of acute pancreatitis may lead to a number of complications :

Infection : Damaged pancreas may become infected with bacteria that spread from the small intestine into the pancreas. Without intensive treatment, pancreatic infections can be fatal. 

Pseudocysts : These are collections of pancreatic fluid and sometimes tissue debris within the pancreas or in an obstructed duct. If the cyst is small, no special care may be necessary, but large, infected or bleeding pseudocysts require immediate surgery.

Abscess : This is a collection of pus in or near the pancreas that may develop about four to six weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis. 

Respiratory failure, shock and kidney failure are some other dangerous complications that can occur in cases of acute pancreatitis. 

Complications due to Chronic Pancreatitis.

The complications common to acute pancreatitis can also occur in the chronic form of the disease. In addition, chronic pancreatitis can cause bleeding as ongoing inflammation and damage to the blood vessels surrounding the pancreas can erode the blood vessel. Some patients develop malnutrition and weight loss. If insulin-producing cells are damaged, it can lead to diabetes. As patients have to take pain killing mediation again and again due to persistent or recurrent pain, people with pancreatitis may become addicted to pain-reducing medications. Persistent inflammation of the pancreas increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. 

Treatment to Acute Pancreataitis

Treatment depends on the severity of the attack. If no kidney or lung complications occur, acute pancreatitis usually improves on its own. Treatment, in general, is designed to support vital bodily functions and prevent complications. A hospital stay is necessary. Treatment goals include controlling the pain, allowing the pancreas to rest and restoring normal balance of the pancreatic juices. 

Supportive measures are fluid replacement by intravenous (IV) fluids, pain relief by analgesics and withholding food or fluid by mouth to restrict pancreatic activity. Occasionally stomach contents have to be sucked out by putting a tube into the stomach through the nose ( nasogastric suctioning) , if there is persistent vomiting or severe pain or if the intestines become lax ( paralytic ileus).

Recurrent attacks may be prevented by treating the underlying condition. Surgery or endoscopic therapy is indicated in some cases to remove gallstones blocking drainage of the pancreas. In severe cases, the pancreas may be removed. 

Pancreatitis
Causes of Pancreatitis
Chronic Pancreatitis
Diagnosis for Pancreatitis
Complications due to Acute Pancreataitis
Chronic Pancreatitis and Prevention