gallbladder and pancreas alterations

gallbladder function

store and concentrate bile

bile

needed for digestion of dietary fats and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the intestines

gallstones

precipitation of substances found in bile, especially cholesterol and bilirubin.

gallstones

abnormalities in bile composition, bile stasis, and gallbladder inflamation can lead to this

cholithiasis

presence of gallstones; usually aysmptomatic

cholecystitis

inflammation of the gallbladder after a stone has blocked the common bile duct or blocked flow of bile out of the gallbladder

pigmented gallstones

cholesterol and calcium bilirubinate

symptoms of gallstones

colicky pain in RUQ, distension, low grade fever, elevated WBC, N/V, intolerance to fatty foods, occassionally jaundice

acute pancreatitis

inappropriately activated pancreatic enzymes causing self-digestion of the pancreas. caused by gallstones making bile reflux back into pancreas which activates the enzumes. also alcohol use.

symptoms of acute pancreatitis

epigastric or periumbilical pain, abdominal tenderness, fever, tachycardia, distension. potentialluy hypotension or ecchymosis. Pain worsens after a meal, and not relieved by antacids.

serum amylase and lipase

diagnostics for acute pancreatitis

chronic pancreatitis

#1 cause = alcohol use; also obstruction of pancreatic duct, autoimmune disorder, or idiopathic pancreatitis from CF. Progressive destruction and irreversible damage w/ fibrotic replacement. declines in exocrine and endocrine function.