Pancreatitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Pancreatitis (pan-kree-ah-TI-tis) occurs when the pancreas is irritated (inflamed). The pancreas is an organ that makes insulin. The pancreas also makes enzymes (digestive juices) that help your body to digest food. Pancreatitis may be a short-term problem that happens once. It may become a long-term problem that comes and goes over time.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Pancreatitis may lead to tissue damage and infection inside the pancreas. It can cause bleeding and fluid leakage into the abdomen. This can lead to low blood pressure, shock and failure of other body organs. Pancreatitis can cause you to be very sick and even to die. The risks of serious illness or death are decreased if you follow your caregiver's suggestions. Ask your caregiver any questions you have about your illness or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

Heart monitor: This is also called an ECG, electrocardiogram, or telemetry. Sticky pads are placed on your chest or different parts of your body. Each pad has a wire leading to a small portable box (telemetry unit), or to a TV-type screen. This lets caregivers see a tracing of the electrical activity of your heart. The heart monitor may help caregivers see problems with the way your heart is beating. Do not remove any wires or sticky pads without asking your caregiver first.

IV: An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids.

Oxygen: You may need extra oxygen to help you breathe easier. It may be given through a plastic mask over your mouth and nose. It may be given through a nasal cannula, or prongs, instead of a mask. A nasal cannula is a pair of short, thin tubes that rest just inside your nose. Tell your caregiver if your nose gets dry or if the mask or prongs bother you. Ask your caregiver before taking off your oxygen. Never smoke or let anyone else smoke in the same room while your oxygen is on. Doing so may cause a fire.

Pulse oximeter: A pulse oximeter is a machine that tells how much oxygen is in your blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on your ear, finger, or toe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a machine. Caregivers use this machine to see if you need more oxygen.

Medicines:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and control vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain. This medicine may be given in your IV, as a shot, or by mouth. Tell caregivers if the pain does not go away or comes back.

Nutrition support: If you are not able to eat food by mouth, you may need to be fed through a feeding tube or a catheter. Some of the ways that you may be fed are:

• Nasogastric (NG) tube: A nasogastric tube is put into your nose and down into your stomach. The tube may be attached to suction (vacuum) to keep your stomach empty. You may need a NG tube if your stomach gets too full or if you throw up a lot after surgery. You may also need it if you cannot use your mouth to eat. An NG tube may also be used to help get your bowels working. Food or medicine may be given through your NG tube.
  
  
• Jejunostomy tube (J-Tube): A jejunostomy tube is a small, flexible tube that is put into a small cut in your abdomen. The end of the tube goes into your small intestine (bowel). The tube is used to give you liquids, food, and medicine. You may have a J-tube for a short time, or long-term. If you need it long-term, your tube may need to be replaced with a new one at certain times.
  
  
• TPN: TPN stands for total parenteral nutrition. It is also called hyperalimentation. It provides your body with nutrition such as protein, sugar, vitamins, minerals, and sometimes fat (lipids). TPN is used when you have problems with eating or digesting food. TPN is usually put into your body through a large IV catheter, such as a central line. You may need TPN for several days or longer.

Tests: You may need one or more tests to help caregivers learn more about your pancreatitis. Some common tests are as follows:

• Abdominal ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound is a test that is done to see inside your abdomen. Sound waves are used to show pictures of your abdomen on a TV-like screen.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers use it to see how your lungs and heart are doing. Caregivers may use the x-ray to look for signs of infection like pneumonia, or to look for collapsed lungs. Chest x-rays may show tumors, broken ribs, or fluid around the heart and lungs.
  
  
• CT scan: This test is also called a "CAT" scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your abdomen (belly). You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye helps the organs in the abdomen show up better in the pictures. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to this dye. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• ERCP: ERCP is also called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This test is done during an endoscopy to find stones, tumors, or other problems. Dye is put into the endoscopy tube. The dye helps your pancreas and bile ducts show up better on x-rays. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to this dye. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, dyes, or any medicines. If you have stones, they may be removed during ERCP.
  
  
• Fine needle aspiration: You may need this procedure if caregivers think you have tissue damage and infection in your pancreas. A needle is inserted through your skin and into the area where damaged tissue or pus is located. Caregivers may use ultrasound or a CT scan to help them find the right spot in your pancreas. A sample of the tissue and fluid is sent to the lab for tests.
  
  
• MRCP: MRCP is also called magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. During this test, caregivers use magnetic waves to look for problems in and around your pancreas. They may look for gallstones, tumors, blocked pancreatic ducts (tubes), and other problems. You must lie very still during this test.

Surgery: You may need to have surgery to remove your gallbladder if it is causing the pancreatitis. You may need to have surgery to drain pockets of infection (pus) in your pancreas. You may need surgery to open up the ducts (tubes) that allow pancreatic (digestive) juices to go the intestines.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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