Gall bladder and Pancreas Flashcards
What is cholelithiasis
Gallstones, which are hard stone-like or gravel-like material found within the biliary system, most often in the gall bladder.
What is cholecystectomy
Surgical removal of the gallbladder
Constituents of normal bile
Cholesterol, phospholipids, bile salts and bilirubin
Structure of bile
Hydrophobic cholesterol aggregate in the middle with hydrophilic bile salts on the periphery and bilirubin scattered throughout.
Pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones
Gallstones form where there is an imbalance between the ratio of cholesterol to bile salts. Micelle formation is disrupted causing free crystallization of cholesterol on micelle surface
Pathogenesis of bilirubin gallstones
Excess bilirubin can’t be solubilised in bile salts causing it to aggregate. This excess bilirubin is due to excess haemolysis
Treatment for pigment gallstones
Surgery
Are gallstones purely cholesterol or bilirubin based
No, they often occur in mixtures
Aetiology of gallstones
Gallbladder pH, mucosal glycoproteins
Infection and inflammation biliary lining
What is cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder
Acute cholecystitis common cause
Gallstone obstruct flow of bile - Initial sterile - Becomes infected - May cause empyema, rupture or peritonitis - Intense adhesions within 2-3 days
Development of chronic cholecystitis
Associated with gallstones, usually develops after bouts of acute cholecystitis. The gallbladder is thickened due to fibrosis but not distended
Chronic cholecystitis can cause inflammation leading to pockets in the wall of gallbladder known as
Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses. They are outpouchings of gallbladder mucosa into the gallbladder muscle layer and subserosal tissue as a result of hyperplasia and herniation of epithelial cells through the fibromuscular layer.
What causes Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses
Increase pressure and recurrent damage to the wall of gallbladder
Carcinoma of gallbladder is what type
Adenocarcinoma
What is cholangiocarcinoma
Cancer of the bile ducts, presents with obstructive jaundice
What type of cancer is cholangiocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma is associated with what other diseases
Ulcerative colitis and Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Why does pancreas present with back pain
Pancreas is very posterior and has a dermatome at the upper half of the back
What is pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas
What is elevated in acute pancreatitis
Serum amylase, patient’s in severe abdominal pain
Pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis
Blockage of bile duct via gallstones damages the Sphincter of Oddi causing pancreatic duct epithelial injury.
Autodigestion of pancreatic acinar cells due to loss of protective barrier
The release of lytic enzymes from pancreas causes -
Lipase: Intra and peripancreatic fat necrosis
Protease: Tissue destruction and haemorrhage
What is a pancreatic pseudocyst
A circumscribed collection of fluid rich in pancreatic enzymes, blood and necrotic tissue. It is a complication of pancreatitis and is prone to infection, haemorrhage, rupture and obstruction
What is chronic pancreatitis
Repeat bouts of acute pancreatitis may lead to chronic pancreatitis which is very fatal. Pancreatic tissue is replaced by chronic inflammation and scar tissue. This destroys exocrine acinar cells and endocrine Islets of Langerhaan
Why is resection of pancreatic tumours hard
The pancreas is closely associated with the duodenum and hence this has to be resected together. It is an endocrine organ that affects the body functions along with endocrine roles in digestion
Pancreatic carcinoma is of what type
Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma normally spreads to
Duodenum, stomach and spleen. Haematogenous spread to the liver and lymph nodes
Risk factors for gallstones
Female Fair Fertile - Had previous children Fat - High BMI > 30, hyperlipidaemia Forty - Age > 40 or Familial
What is biliary colic
Gallstone/bladder attack, when a gallstone temporarily blocks the bile duct.
Symptoms of biliary colic
Gradual build-up of pain in RUQ. Radiates to back/shoulder. May last 2-6 hours and associated with indigestion and/or nausea