Congenital anomalies are ones that individuals are born with. Among birth defects or congenital anomalies, the annular pancreas is a rare condition. By definition, the annular pancreas is when a ring of extra pancreatic tissue develops around the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. And, this goes all the way up to the pancreas.
Surgery is the classic treatment if the condition disrupts the pancreas and its functions. Surgical procedures aim to relieve the obstruction caused to the duodenal. For annular pancreas paediatric surgery in Siliguri, get in touch with the leading pediatric surgeon in town.
Understanding the symptoms of annular pancreas
With an annular pancreas, the pancreas in the babies can still work. But, that extra tissue can restrict the duodenum from effective functioning. The pancreas releases insulin and turns glucose into energy and produces enzymes to digest food. Babies born with an annular pancreas may have poor digestion.
Symptoms of the annular pancreas in infants or young children include:
- Chronic or ongoing belly/abdominal pain
- Swollen belly
- Food intolerance
- Vomiting
- Feeding problems in newborns
In young children and adults, chronic belly pain is a common symptom. Plus, fullness after eating a small portion of food is also a common sign here. Consult a healthcare provider/paediatrician if you notice such signs in your baby. These signs are also the signs of other health concerns. Therefore, expert supervision is required.
Knowing the possible complications of annular pancreas
Complications may occur due to annular pancreas and that include:
- Formation of ulcers in the small intestines
- Blocked duodenum leads to poor food digestion
- Problems with liver function
- Issues between the oesophagus and windpipe
- Jaundice/yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Chronic abdominal pain with swallowing difficulty
- Pancreatic cancer
This medical condition is associated with Down syndrome in various cases. And, some one-fourth of people with annular pancreas have Down Syndrome. However, the definitive cause of the annular pancreas is unknown. As per medical research, it results from the failure of the ventral bud to rotate with the duodenum.
Other medical conditions linked with the annular pancreas are pancreatitis, polyhydramnios or excessive amniotic fluid during gestation, congenital gastrointestinal problems, etc. You might make an appointment with the top pediatric surgeon in Siliguri for annular pancreas surgery.
Diagnosis of annular pancreas
Many times, after an annular pancreas shows signs and symptoms, doctors diagnose it. Several tests and diagnostic procedures are performed to rule out the annular pancreas, including:
- Small bowel series
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Abdominal X-ray/ upper GI series X-ray
- MRI/magnetic resonance imaging
- Computed tomography scan
For young adults, doctors review medical history if they have congenital disorders.
Treatment of annular pancreas
Pediatricians or medical experts only go for treatments if symptoms are there, causing discomfort. The most common treatment for the annular pancreas is surgery. But, medical care depends on several things, such as the overall health of the baby/adult, the severity of the condition, the age of the individual, the individual’s past health. For dedicated paediatric surgery in Siliguri, see the top pediatrician in the city.
During surgery, the surgeon removes the blockage so that the small intestine can function properly. Duodenojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy surgeries involve cutting the intestine at the point where the pancreas tissue obstructs the small intestine. Infants or newborns need time to lie on their stomach for several days or as recommended after surgery. Ensure follow-up checkups for optimal healing.
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