Pancreatitis Treatment in Dallas, Tx

Pancreatitis Treatment in Dallas, Tx is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ lying behind the lower part of the stomach. It produces enzymes that help in digestion and hormones that help regulate the way the body processes glucose.

Pancreatitis may occur as acute pancreatitis. This means it can start suddenly and last for days. It may also occur as chronic pancreatitis. This means it can last for many years.

Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes become activated while they are still in the pancreas. This can irritate the cells of the pancreas and cause inflammation.

What’s the best treatment for pancreatitis?

The treatment for pancreatitis depends on the underlying cause.

Treatment options include:

Enzyme supplements

Your doctor may prescribe pancreatic enzyme supplements to help your digestive system work more effectively. Pancreatic enzyme supplements help your body break down and process the nutrients in the foods that you eat.

Steroid medications

Individuals with chronic pancreatitis caused by problems with the immune system may be given steroid medications. Steroid medications help to relieve the inflammation of the pancreas. Steroid medications are not to be taken for a long time because it can cause side effects such as osteoporosis and weight gain.

Pain relief medications

Pain relief medications is an important part of the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Paracetamol or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are given for mild pains.

If paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs don’t relieve the pain, opiate-based painkillers, such as codeine or tramadol may be prescribed by your doctor.

If the pain is very severe, you may be referred to a specialist such as a gastroenterologist or pancreaticobiliary surgeon, or pain centre for further assessment and treatment.

In some cases, additional medications such as amitriptyline, gabapentin or pregabalin may be recommended to help relieve the pain.

Nerve block

If pain is very severe and other conventional pain medications are unable to relieve the pain, a nerve block may be used to block the pain. Injecting a numbing agent or corticosteroids into the nerve responsible for transferring the pain signals can be used to block the pain.

Surgery

Surgery is performed to treat the underlying conditions that may be causing the pancreatitis. Surgery is also used to treat severe pain in people with chronic pancreatitis.

Surgical procedures for pancreatitis include:

Endoscopic surgery

Patients with gallstones in the opening of their pancreas may benefit from endoscopic surgery.

Lithotripsy is an endoscopic surgery that involves using shock waves to break the gallstones into smaller pieces. An endoscope is then used to access the pancreatic duct and the pieces of stones are then removed.

Pancreas resection

Pancreas resection surgery is used in cases where specific parts of the pancreas are inflamed and causing severe pain. These parts are surgically removed to relieve pain.

The exact technique that will be used for pancreas resection depends on which parts of the pancreas need to be removed.

Total pancreatectomy

This is the complete removal of the entire pancreas. It is used in very serious cases of chronic pancreatitis, where the pancreas has been extensively damaged.

This surgery may be very effective in treating pain, but you won’t be able to produce the insulin that your body needs any more.

What are the chances of surviving pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis tends to become more severe over time. The overall 10-year and 20-year survival rates of chronic pancreatitis are estimated to be about 70% and 45%, respectively.

What over the counter medicine is good for pancreatitis?

Over-the-counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are good for pancreatitis. They help to relieve pain related to pancreatitis.

How long do you live with chronic pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is not life-threatening if treated. However, many people with chronic pancreatitis don’t live as long as expected. According to prognosis, 70% of people with chronic pancreatitis live an additional 10 years while 45% of people with chronic pancreatitis live an additional 20 years.

What is end stage pancreatitis?

Severe cases of pancreatitis can cause bleeding, serious tissue damage, infection, and cysts. Kidney failure, breathing problems, diabetes, malnutrition, and pancreatic cancer are the end stage or complications of pancreatitis.

Can you fully recover from pancreatitis?

Most people with acute pancreatitis recover completely after getting the right treatment, especially if the disease is diagnosed and treated early enough.

What is the average hospital stay for pancreatitis?

Moderate-to-severe pancreatitis requires more extensive monitoring and supportive medical care. Patients with severe pancreatitis have an average hospital stay of two months.

Can I ever drink alcohol again after pancreatitis?

Majority of cases of acute pancreatitis are caused by alcohol and gallstones. It is advised to stop drinking alcohol for at least 6 months after pancreatitis or completely stop drinking alcohol to avoid reoccurrence.

How long does it take pancreas to heal after pancreatitis?

It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for pancreas to clear and heal after pancreatitis treatment.

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