What are Accessory Pancreas?

                         




It is defined as a condition in which there are small group of pancreatic cells which are separated from the pancreas. It is a rare condition. It was described by the Klob in the year 1859. It occurs in the mesentery of small intestine, wall of duodenum, upper part of the jejunum, in the wall of stomach, ileum, gall bladder or spleen. They are notattached to the pancreas and may occur in the wall of stomach or intestine.

What is the locality of Accessory pancreas?
The accessory pancreas was researched at the University of Louisville. In the year 1904 A.S Warthin found nearly 50 cases of this disorder. In the year 1921 their number was increased by 31. A dozen cases were found at the operation. Many patients have been treated for this trouble and since then.

What is the diagnosis of Accessory pancreas?
One must look for the general health of the patient. The disorders in the pancreas are accompanied by the fatigue and overall weakness. Patient’s medical history is also considered as it may tell about earlier disorders of the biliary tract or duodenum,abdominal trauma or even surgery. There are few metabolic disorders like the diabetes mellitus. One must also look into the details of medication history. It includes the use of certain diuretics, corticosteroids, sulfonamides and opiates. A family history of the pancreatic disorders must also be noted. There must be a complete knowledge of the pain in the upper abdomen area. It is also referred as the epigastric area. One should observe the flushing and restlessness during the examination. The vital signs include the tachycardia, tachypnea, low grade fever and hypotension. One must examine the skin and abdomen for the jaundice and distention, discoloration, tenderness and low bowel sounds. The tests which are used to diagnose this disorder are the laboratoryanalysis of blood, urine, stool and fluid in the pancreas. It is also done with the help of imaging studies. There are certain blood studies also which include the measurement of serum amylase, glucose, lipase and level of tri glycerides. It also includes the urinary and renal amylase levels. The stool samples can be analyzed for the fat content. There is a secretin stimulation test which is used to measure the bicarbonateconcentration of the pancreatic fluid. It is done after the secretin is given using drip (intravenously) so as to stimulate the production of pancreatic fluid.

What are the signs and symptoms of Accessory pancreas?
It includes the nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, puritus and dyspnea. One must have the data related to the patient diet and its use of alcohol.

What is the treatment of Accessory pancreas?
It depends on the location of the injured tissue along with to what extent the damage is done. Surgery can also be an option for the surgeons and physicians can also go for the prophylactic antibiotics.