Understanding Pancreas
The pancreas is an organ that is located behind the stomach in the upper left abdomen. It is a small fleshy organ that weighs on an average of about 75g.
Functions of pancreas
Though it is a small organ, it performs some of the main functions of our body. Some of them are listed below:
- It helps in the production of chemicals that help in the digestion of food.
- It helps produce hormones like insulin and glycogen, which regulate the body’s sugar level.
How to maintain the health of the pancreas?
To maintain good health and ensure the smooth operation of the pancreas, you should make few lifestyle changes.
Avoid smoking, drinking, and excess intake of spicy and fatty foods to avoid incurring damage to the pancreas. Severe and repeated damage to the pancreas can lead to its failure and the patient needing a liver transplant.
Common problems related to pancreas
Pancreatitis: One of the most common problems related to the pancreas is pancreatitis. This is the case of the pancreas starting to digest itself. This condition in the early stage is called acute pancreatitis.
But when the condition repeatedly occurs, resulting in the shrinking of the pancreas, fibrosis, or formation of stones, it is called chronic pancreatitis. This can only be treated by surgery.
Pancreatitis can also occur if there are stones in the bile bag, and they move to block the head of the pancreas. This should also be treated with a surgical procedure like laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Also Read: 5 Stages of Liver Disease
Pancreatic cancer: Another common problem relating to the pancreas is pancreatic cancer. Tumours can occur at the front or tail end of the pancreas. This can manifest as a simple pain in the stomach for the patient. Most patients mistake it for ulcer and let it go unchecked.
There can also be symptoms like jaundice, weight loss, and non-digestion of fat. When you notice any of these symptoms, then it is important to consult with a pancreatic surgeon. When you explain the problems and symptoms, it will help with the diagnosis.
Kauvery Hospital
Removing pancreatic Tumours involves complex procedures, and it can become very challenging in severe cases. Kauvery Hospital is one of the institutions with certified doctors who are experienced in some of these, like liver transplants and Whipple procedure.
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- Aug 23, 2021