Introduction
Pancreas is a glandular organ involved in the production of hormones and regulates various bodily functions such as metabolism and digestion. One explanation of glandular hormone is the pancreas because it produces the hormone insulin and aids in the digestion of food by secreting digestive enzymes. The digestive enzymes break down food in the small intestine to regulate blood sugar levels. These enzymes also breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
The enzymes produced in the pancreas are:
Pancreatic amylase breaks down carbohydrates into glucose and maltose. Pancreas produces proteases, chymotrypsin, trypsin, and carboxypeptidase that break down proteins into amino acids and peptides.
Lipase enzymes break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions. The exocrine part of the gland produces digestive enzymes that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The endocrine part of the pancreas produces hormones called insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.
What Are Pancreatic Ducts?
The pancreatic ducts run through the pancreas and transport digestive enzymes to the small intestine. These enzymes help to break down food in the small intestine. The pancreas produces enzymes that help with digestion and hormones that regulate blood glucose levels. The pancreatic duct extends from the tail of the pancreas to its head and it is present in the pancreas. The pancreatic ducts transport these enzymes to the small intestine, where they break down food. The main pancreatic duct is larger and connects to the common bile duct, which carries bile from the liver to the small intestine. The accessory pancreatic duct connects directly to the small intestine. The digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are lipase, amylase, and protease. They help in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
What Are the Conditions That Cause Pancreatic Duct Obstruction?
Pancreatic duct obstruction happens when there is a blockage in the duct due to inflammation, tumor, or stones. The enzymes get accumulated and they block the flow of digestive enzymes through the duct. Pancreatic duct obstruction can be caused by conditions such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallstones, and cystic fibrosis (buildup of thick and sticky mucus in the pancreatic duct). The conditions that cause pancreatic duct obstruction are-
- Pancreatic Cancer- Pancreatic cancer causes pancreatic duct obstruction through direct invasion of the tumor into the pancreatic duct. The tumor blocks the flow of digestive enzymes leading to a build-up of enzymes within the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic cancer leads to causes damage to the pancreatic tissue and causes inflammation. As the tumor grows it compresses the duct that blocks the flow of digestive enzymes leading to the accumulation of enzymes in the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer also causes duct obstruction by scarring of the ducts within the pancreas. As the growth of the scar progresses, it can lead to blockage of the pancreatic duct. This can lead to a range of symptoms like pain, swelling, and digestive problems.
- Pancreatitis - One of the most common causes of pancreatic duct obstruction is the formation of gallstones. The gallstones are hard deposits that block the pancreatic duct. There is a formation of scar tissue in response to chronic inflammation of the pancreas which leads to digestive problems.
- Gallstones- The gallstones that are formed in the gall bladder migrate from the gall bladder to the pancreatic duct. The gallstones block the bile and pancreatic enzymes flow into the small intestine which leads to inflammation and swelling of the gland. In severe cases, the gallstones can lead to chronic pancreatitis where there is ongoing damage to the pancreas. The other cause of pancreatic duct obstruction is trauma.
What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Duct Obstruction?
The symptoms of pancreatic duct obstruction are-
- Abdominal Pain - The abdominal pain is felt in the upper abdomen and lasts for several hours.
- Jaundice - The skin and eyes start yellowing after a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
- Nausea and Vomiting - Vomiting is due to the buildup of digestive enzymes in the pancreas.
- Weight Loss - Weight occurs due to the malabsorption of nutrients from the small intestine.
- Fatty Stools - Due to a lack of digestive enzymes, the fat is not properly absorbed leading to oily stools.
- Trauma - Any trauma to the pancreas can cause pancreatic duct obstruction. Pancreatic duct obstruction also causes severe abscesses, infections, and death.
How Is Pancreatic Duct Obstruction Diagnosed?
Ultrasound abdomen is a non-invasive technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the internal organs of the abdomen, including the pancreas. The high-frequency sound waves bounce off the pancreas and create images on a computer screen. The technician focuses the transducer on the pancreas and looks for signs of blockage in the pancreatic duct. The blockages include swelling, fibrosis, tumor, or inflammation.
Another imaging test is a computed tomography (CT) scan, that uses X-rays to produce detailed images of the pancreas. High levels of enzymes such as lipase and amylase indicate damage to the pancreas.
How Is Pancreatic Duct Obstruction Treated?
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a medical procedure that uses an endoscope. An endoscope is a long tube with a light and a camera attached to it which is a long, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and examines the pancreas and bile ducts. During an Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a dye is injected into the pancreatic duct and when the blockage is identified, a stent is inserted to relieve the obstruction.
Conclusion
Pancreatic duct obstruction leads to a buildup of digestive enzymes within the pancreatic duct leading to inflammation. The causes of pancreatic duct obstruction are inflammation, scarring, and tumors. The symptoms of pancreatic duct obstruction are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Endoscopic procedures help to remove blockages and medications are given to reduce the inflammation. It is important to seek medical help if the person experiences symptoms of pancreatic duct obstruction.
