post operative pancreatitis

Question
QUESTION: What would the symptoms of post operative pancreatitis be? I had a gastric diverticulum removed July 07 and while in the hospital (9 days) did show elevated lipase and amylase and doctor said it was pancreatitis. So just curious if pancreatitis can occur after the surgery, years later?

ANSWER: Megan,
Surgery might cause pancreatitis if the operation causes direct physical trauma to the pancreas, but it that is going to be a cause for pancreatitis it should show up within a few days of surgery.  Other than that, I can't see a connection between gastric surgery about one year ago, and pancreatitis now.

The main symptoms of pancreatitis are severe central abdominal pain, and usually nausea as well.  The trick is that there are a number of other conditions (such as gallbladder problems) that may cause similar symptoms.  Blood tests such as lipase, amylase, and CBC can be useful in  differentiating the conditions, as well as radiology tests such as ultrasound or CT scan.

I hope this is helpful,
Dr JP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Actually, a few days after my surgery, he did feel I had a bit of pancreatitis, I guess that and other factors extended my stay in the hospital. If you had pancreatitis at one point, such as a few days after surgery. Can that type of pancreatitis come and go over the years? Thank you so much for taking the time to reply!

Answer
Megan,
If a person had one episode of pancreatitis in the past, they are a bit more liable to have future episodes.  This is kind of similar to a severe ankle sprain - once it heals it is mostly OK, but it is a bit more susceptible to being "twisted" (re-injured) by some smaller issue down the road.

In the long run, it should heal fully and be normal.

Dr JP

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