Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas caused by pancreatic duct obstruction, increased intraductal pressure, and poor blood circulation. However, its essence is that pathogenic factors cause extravasation of pancreatic juice, which comes into contact with the pancreatic parenchyma, and the digestive enzymes in the pancreatic juice are activated, leading to autodigestion of the pancreas, resulting in pathological changes such as edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis. Common predisposing factors for acute pancreatitis include gallstones, biliary ascariasis, binge eating, and heavy alcohol consumption. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is the more common form, with symptoms of sudden, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the shoulders and lower back. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. Physical examination may reveal marked tenderness and muscle guarding in the left upper abdomen, abdominal distension, and diminished or absent bowel sounds. Laboratory tests often show elevated serum and urine amylase. Abdominal paracentesis for amylase measurement, abdominal X-ray examination, ultrasound, and CT all have diagnostic or differential diagnostic value. Treatment is based on the severity of the condition. Mild cases generally receive non-surgical treatment, while severe cases or those unresponsive to non-surgical treatment should undergo surgical treatment. Prevention involves actively treating cholelithiasis and biliary ascariasis, as well as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and binge eating.