Acute pancreatitis

The pancreas is a gland located in the upper, posterior abdomen and is responsible for insulin production and the manufacture and secretion of digestive enzymes leading to carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Approximately 80% of the gross weight of the pancreas supports exocrine function, while the remaining 20% is involved with endocrine function.

In acute pancreatitis there are not only symptoms of acute inflammation in the pancreas are present. There are the signs of haemorrhages and necrotic processes, which are caused by autodigestion of tissues by pancreatic enzymes. Secondary infection and multiorgan system failure may be associated with autodigestion process.

The overall mortality rate of patients with acute pancreatitis is 10–15%. In patients with severe disease (necrosis and/or organ failure), the mortality rate is approximately 30%.

Anatomy of hepato-pancreato-duodenal region is demonstrated at fig. 14.

Figure 14 – Anatomy of hepato-pancreato-duodenal region