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Pancreatic stones is a disease in which stones form in the pancreatic duct, responsible for bringing pancreatic enzymes to the duodenum. Untreated pancreatic calculi can lead to pancreatic dysfunction and, consequently, even to diabetes. What are the causes and symptoms of pancreatic stones? What is the treatment?

Pancreatic stones(pancreatic stones, pancreatic stones) is a disease in which pancreatic stones form in the main pancreatic duct and / or its branches. They hinder the outflow of pancreatic juice into the digestive tract, thus leading to its stagnation and stretching of the tract, which results in numerous ailments in the digestive tract.

Pancreatic stones - causes

The role of the pancreatic ducts is to deliver pancreatic juice to the duodenum. This juice, in addition to the enzymes necessary in the digestion process, also contains water and minerals such as phosphorus, bicarbonate and calcium. When the pancreas is inflamed, the minerals found in pancreatic juice can precipitate and harden, forming pancreatic stones.

Pancreatic stones most often occur in the course of alcoholic or acute pancreatitis. In the first case, alcohol contributes to the inflammation of the pancreas. It can also cause acute pancreatitis, as well as cholelithiasis, hyperlipidemia and the use of certain medications.

Stone of the pancreatic duct can also develop in hyperparathyroidism, when the amount of calcium and phosphate in the blood increases.

Pancreatic stones - symptoms

Pancreatic stones are manifested by pain that:

  • is sudden and strong;
  • occurs in the upper abdomen;
  • can radiate to the left side of the body;
  • intensifies after eating (especially fatty foods) and drinking, as well as pressing the pancreatic area;

Accompanying symptoms may include jaundice, drooling, vomiting and fever (with associated chills and sweating).

Important

Untreated pancreatic stones may lead to the development of diabetes

If pancreatic stones are left untreated, the stones may compress on the pancreatic tissue, which may result in death and dysfunction.Then the pancreas will not be able to produce insulin (the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar levels), which may result in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Pancreatic stones - diagnosis

In order to diagnose pancreatic stones, blood tests, abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography are performed.

pancreatic stones - treatment

Treatment of pancreatic stones consists in removing stones from the pancreatic duct during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The procedure takes place in an x-ray laboratory. The doctor introduces the endoscope into the gastrointestinal tract and finds the common bile duct opening on the so-called Vater's wart. The doctor then enters the pancreatic duct through this opening and removes the stones.

If the stones are large, surgery may be necessary.

AuthorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Gastrology