Definition

The pancreas is the largest gland in the body and is situated transversely across the posterior wall of the abdomen, at the back of the epigastric and left hypochondriac regions.

Its length varies from 12.5-15 cm., and its weight from 60-100 g. It is both an endocrine gland producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, as well as an exocrine gland, secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes that pass to the small intestine. These enzymes help in the further breakdown of the carbohydrates, protein, and fat in the chyme.

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas which can result in localised and systemic complications.

Localised complications include necrosis and pseudocyst development whereas, systemically, patients can develop systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ failure.

Learning Bite

Patients can develop both localised and systemic complications.