Pancreatitis is the redness and swelling of the pancreas. It may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). Mild cases will go away without treatment, but severe cases may require surgical procedures to address the underlying cause of your pancreatitis.
If You Have Pancreatitis
The pancreas is a long, flat gland tucked behind the stomach in your upper abdomen. It is tasked with producing enzymes and hormones. The enzymes help with digestion and the hormones regulate the way your body processes sugar. Pancreatitis is a result of those digestive enzymes activating while still in the pancreas.
Pancreatitis can be caused by alcoholism, gallstones, abdominal surgery, family history, pancreatic cancer, certain medications, cigarette smoking, high levels of calcium or fat particles in the blood and cystic fibrosis, as well as other issues.
Left untreated, pancreatitis can cause serious complications, including infection, kidney failure, breathing problems, diabetes, malnutrition and pancreatic cancer.
Our Approach to Pancreatitis Treatment
Depending on the cause of your pancreatitis, an Inspira surgeon may recommend surgery to drain fluid or remove diseased tissue from your pancreas. If gallstones are causing your pancreatitis, it may be necessary to remove gallstones or your gallbladder altogether (cholecystectomy). In any case, a skilled Inspira surgeon can treat your pancreatitis from one of our convenient South Jersey facilities.
