Annular Pancreas

Abnormality of the pancreas

Overview

An annular pancreas is a condition in which tissues from the pancreas may surround the small intestine. This results in the blockage of the intestine, thus creating problems in digesting food. It is a congenital condition and is usually present at the time of birth.

Symptoms

The following symptoms can be observed in children with Annular pancreas:

Difficulty Drinking Formula Milk

Difficulty Drinking Breast Milk

Vomiting

Feeling Full While Eating Less Food

Causes

The most common causes of Annular pancreas include:

Diagnosis

Other than regular physical examination, a doctor may require to perform some tests to determine the best way of treatment. The tests may include:

X-ray

Ultrasound

CT Scan

MRI

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear.

Treatment

The annular pancreas can be a life-threatening condition if not treated timely. Surgery is considered to be the most effective for treating the Annular pancreas. The two surgical procedures for the annular pancreas include gastrojejunostomy or duodenojejunostomy. These involve removing the obstruction by cutting the intestine where there is a blockage and reconnecting both the parts to enable the intestine to function normally. Both the procedures can be performed by both open or keyhole surgery. The latter is advised by the doctors as it is a minimally invasive procedure resulting in fewer scars and quicker wound healing.

Surgeons at Curadors have been successfully performing several such procedures for the past 15 years. Our partnered facility, Maroof International Hospital has state-of-the-art operation theaters equipped with the world’s most advanced equipment to provide the best quality treatment to our patients.

Risks, Complications & Preventions

The annular pancreas is a genetic condition occurring during the time of pregnancy. Children who have annular pancreas can develop other complications like inflammation of the pancreas, peptic ulcer, and obstructive jaundice. However, this condition can be prevented if the mother takes a healthy diet and sees the doctor regularly during pregnancy.