Accessory pancreas

Accessory pancreas is a small cluster of pancreas cells detached from the pancreas and sometimes found in the wall of the stomach or intestines.

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Locality

After researching accessory pancreas at the University of Louisville medical library, I found a list of medical cases and the doctors that operated on the patients with this condition.

In 1904, Dr. A. S. Warthin found 47 cases in the literature and added 2. Up to 1921, 31 cases were added. Twelve cases were found at operation. A number of patients have been operated upon for this trouble since then. E. J. Horgan found 2 cases in 321 consecutive autopsies.

Warthin

Locality of Accessory Pancreas, A. S. Warthin, 1904:

Wall of stomach ………………… 14 Diverticulum of jejunum .......1
Wall of duodenum ………………. 12 Diverticulum of ileum ………………….… 4
Wall of jejunum …………………. 15 Meckel’s diverticulum …………………… 1
Wall of ileum ……………………. 1 Umbilical fistula ……………………….… 1
Wall of intestine …………………. 1 Mesenteric fat ……………………………. 1
Diverticulum of stomach …………. 1 Omentum ………………………………… 1

Horgan

Locality of Accessory Pancreas, E. J. Horgan from 1904-1921:

Stomach ………………………….. 5 Small intestine .…………………………….1
Pylorus ……………………………. 2 Diverticulum of intestine …………………. 4
Jejunum ………………………….. 13 Diverticulum of duodenum ………………. 2
Duodenum ………………………... 3 Splenic capsule …………………………… 1
Ileum ……………………………… 1

Diagnosis

As a nurse,inquire about the patient’s general health status because pancreatic disorders are often accompanied by weakness and fatigue. The past Medical history may reveal previous disorders of the biliary tract or duodenum, abdominal trauma or surgery, and metabolic disorders suck as diabetes mellitus. The medication history should be detailed and specifically include the use of thiazides, furosemide, estrogens, corticosteroids, sulfonamides, and opiates. Note a family history of pancreatic disorders. In the review of systems, obtain a complete description of any pain in the upper abdomen or epigastric area. Symptoms that may be important in relation to pancreatic disorders are pruritus, abdominal pain, dyspnea, nausea, and vomiting. The functional assessment includes data about the patient’s dietary habits and use of alcohol.

Note any restlessness, flushing, or diaphoresis during the examination. Vital signs may disclose low-grade fever, tachypnea, tachycardia, and hypotension. Inspect the skin for jaundice. Assess the abdomen for distention, tenderness, discoloration, and diminished bowel sounds.

Tests and procedures used to diagnose pancreatic disorders include laboratory analyses of blood, urine, stool, and pancreatic fluid, and imaging studies. Specific blood studies used to assess pancreatic function include measurements of serum amylase, lipase, glucose, calcium, and triglyceride levels. Urine amylase and renal amylase clearance tests may also be ordered. Stool specimens may be analyzed for fat content. The secretin stimulation test measures the bicarbonate concentration of pancreatic fluid after secretin is given intravenously to stimulate the production of pancreatic fluid.

Treatment

Treatment of accessory pancreas depends on the location and extent of the injured tissue. Surgery may be an option, or some physicians order prophylactic antibiotics.

References

• Davis F. A. (2001). Taber’s Cyclopedic Medial Dictionary. [Edition 19].