Pancreas and Gallbladder Disorders

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to pancreatitis and gallbladder disorders as discussed in NSG 36 lecture.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Pancreas

An organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin.

Acute Pancreatitis

A sudden inflammation of the pancreas, causing severe abdominal pain.

Chronic Pancreatitis

A long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas that can result from repeated acute episodes.

Pancreatic Cancer

A type of cancer that begins in the pancreas, often presenting late due to vague symptoms.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly caused by gallstones.

Cholelithiasis

The formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.

Autodigestion

The process by which the pancreas digests itself due to the escape of digestive enzymes.

Trypsinogen

An inactive form of trypsin, a digestive enzyme activated in the intestine.

Pseudocyst

A fluid-filled sac that can form in the abdomen as a complication of pancreatitis.

Steatorrhea

Fatty stools that can occur due to impaired fat digestion.

Cullen's sign

Bluish discoloration around the umbilicus indicating bleeding in the abdominal cavity.

Grey Turner's sign

Bruising of the flanks indicating internal bleeding.

Hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding, which can occur in severe pancreatitis.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid in tissues, often seen in pancreatitis.

Sepsis

A life-threatening response to infection that can result from complications of pancreatitis.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels in the blood, a potential complication of pancreatitis.

Hepatic duct

A duct that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder.

Common bile duct

The duct that carries bile from the gallbladder and liver to the duodenum.

Biliary Colic

Pain caused by the obstruction of the bile ducts, often due to gallstones.

Acalculous Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder without the presence of gallstones.

Cholestasis

Reduced or stopped bile flow, can occur in gallbladder disease.

Amylase

An enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates, often elevated in pancreatitis.

Lipase

An enzyme that helps digest fats, typically measured to diagnose pancreatitis.

Sphincter of Oddi

A muscle that controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

A procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile and pancreatic ducts.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

A minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Whipple Procedure

A surgical operation to remove the head of the pancreas and other surrounding structures, often used for pancreatic cancer.

Esophageal Varices

Swollen veins in the esophagus that can develop from increased portal hypertension.

Tender Abdomen

A finding on physical exam indicating inflammation or injury to abdominal organs.

Fistula

An abnormal connection between two organs or vessels, which can occur as a complication of pancreatic disease.

Obstructive Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bile obstruction, often related to gallstones.

Pancreatic Resection

Surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas, usually due to cancer.

Nutritional Deficiency

A health issue stemming from inadequate intake or absorption of nutrients, common in chronic pancreatitis.

Inflammatory Response

The body's defensive reaction to injury, infection, or irritation.

Necrosis

Death of tissue, which can occur in severe pancreatitis.

Exocrine Function

The part of the pancreas that produces digestive enzymes.

Endocrine Function

The part of the pancreas that produces hormones like insulin.

Gallstones

Solid particles that form from bile cholesterol and bilirubin in the gallbladder.

Adenocarcinoma

A type of cancer that originates in glandular tissue, such as that found in the pancreas.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body.

Recovery Diet

A specific diet plan designed to aid recovery after surgical procedures.

Postoperative Care

Care provided after surgery to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency

A condition where the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes for digestion.

Cholecystostomy

A surgical procedure to place a drain into the gallbladder.

Bile Salts

Compounds derived from cholesterol that aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.