Necrosis of the pancreas is a formidable complication of acute or chronic inflammation (pancreatitis), in which necrosis of the organ tissues occurs. Such a diagnosis is very serious, life-threatening. The process of dying results from the dissolution of pancreatic tissues by enzymes, which are produced by it, in combination with infection, inflammation of the peritoneum and other pathological processes.
Causes of Pancreatic Necrosis
The most likely factors leading to the development of necrotic processes in the tissues of the pancreas are:
- regular abuse of alcoholic beverages;
- frequent overeating, especially fried, smoked and fatty foods;
- presence of stones in the gallbladder ;
- peptic ulcer;
- injuries and surgical interventions in the abdominal cavity;
- severe infectious diseases.
Stages of development of pancreatic necrosis
Dying tissue in this pathology occurs in three stages:
- Toxemic stage - the appearance in the blood of toxins of bacterial origin, increased production of pancreatic enzymes.
- Development of an abscess is a purulent inflammation of the gland tissues and tissues of surrounding organs.
- Purulent changes in tissues.
By the prevalence of pathological changes necrosis of the pancreas is classified into focal and extensive. The process of tissue necrosis can proceed lethargic or rapidly progress.
Signs of pancreatic necrosis
The main symptom of the pathology is pain, which is localized on top of the abdomen from the left side, under the ribs. Pain can also be felt in the epigastric region, given in the back, flanks. By nature, this constant, intense or moderate sensations, which often intensify after eating, accompanied in some cases by nausea and repeated vomiting.
Other features may include:
- flatulence as a result of processes of putrefaction and fermentation in the intestine;
- redness of the skin associated with the release into the blood of substances that dilate the vessels, due to damage to the pancreas:
- gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the destructive effect of enzymes on vascular walls;
- appearance on the sides, abdomen and buttocks of large cyanotic or purple spots (a symptom of Gray-Turner);
- dry skin and mucous membranes, decreased skin elasticity, thirst (signs of dehydration);
- lowering blood pressure;
- increased body temperature;
- delirium, a violation of consciousness, etc.
Treatment of pancreatic necrosis
For this pathology, treatment should be performed in a hospital setting. The prognosis for the course and outcome of pancreatic necrosis depends on how much the organ is affected, and how quickly the diagnosis is made and treatment is started.
Conservative treatment of pancreatic necrosis includes the following medications:
- drugs that block the work of the gland and inactivate the enzymes produced by it (antiferment and cytotoxic agents);
- antibacterial agents;
- analgesics;
- antispasmodics ;
- immunostimulants;
- antiallergic agents;
- diuretic preparations.
Operation with necrosis of the pancreas is suitable in the absence of a positive effect of drug therapy. Excision of the affected tissue of the gland is carried out. It should be noted that this measure is extreme, because such a surgical intervention is associated with a certain risk and is difficult to tolerate by patients.
In the early days of pancreatic necrosis therapy, therapeutic starvation is shown, followed by a diet with the exception of fatty, salty, smoked, fried and sweet foods, hot and cold dishes, and alcohol.
Permitted to use:
- porridge on the water;
- light broths;
- boiled vegetables;
- low-fat meat;
- baked fruit;
- fermented milk products, etc.