Case Study on GallStones Leading to Acute Pancreatitis

Patient: 57-year-old male

Final diagnosis: GallStones Leading to Acute Pancreatitis

GallStones Leading to Acute Pancreatitis signs and Symptoms:

Speciality: Gastroenterology and hepatology

Causes, symptoms and treatment of gallstones causing acute pancreatitis

The pancreas is a very important organ. It helps break down food using enzymes. It also helps control blood sugar by making insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the condition is called pancreatitis.

Sometimes, gallstones can block the ducts connecting the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. When this happens, enzymes start to build up in the pancreas and cause swelling and pain. This is called gallstone pancreatitis.

This case study explains how a 57-year-old man’s untreated gallstones eventually led to a serious condition—acute pancreatitis.

Background: What is Gallstone Pancreatitis?

Gallstones are hard pieces that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. These stones are made of cholesterol or bile salts. Many people with gallstones don’t feel anything. But if a stone blocks a duct, it can cause sharp pain and serious problems like acute pancreatitis.

This blockage causes enzymes to remain in the pancreas and start “digesting” it from the inside. This leads to inflammation, pain, and sometimes infection or tissue death.

This form of acute pancreatitis is serious. In some cases, it can be life-threatening if not treated on time.

The gallstone case study presents a 57-year-old man with severe abdominal pain in the upper right side. An ultrasound indicated the presence of a large gallstone. The patient had a history of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. He also had undergone a coronary artery bypass surgery two years back. When he came for consultation, he had been suffering from pain for the past two days.

The patient was overweight and smoked regularly. Along with gradually increasing right upper abdominal pain, he also reported nausea and general weakness. He was taking medications at the time of consultation.

On physical examination, the abdomen was found to be tender, especially on the upper right side. Laboratory tests were advised, including a blood test, abdominal ultrasound. Blood tests reports were found to be normal within the range. However, an ultrasound revealed a thicker than normal gallbladder wall and a single gallstone. No other abnormality was found. Removing the gallstone through surgery was advised.

The gallstone blocked the duct that connects the pancreas, gallbladder, and small intestine. Because of the blockage, pancreatic juices couldn’t flow out. This caused the pancreas to swell and become inflamed.

Here are other possible reasons why gallstones form or cause problems:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• High-fat diet
• Certain medications
• Rapid weight loss
• Family history
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy

In this patient’s case, several risk factors were present: obesity, smoking, and diabetes.

The most common sign of gallstones with acute pancreatitis is chronic pain in the upper right corner of the abdomen—the enzymes from the pancreas help digest the food. Apart from abdominal pain, the other common symptoms include abdominal pain that worsens after eating food, abdominal pain that radiates towards the back, fever, nausea, vomiting, and tenderness on touching the abdomen. The disorder does not occur suddenly, and in this case, the patient was already suffering from gallstones for the last two years. The problem of gallstones developed into pancreatitis as it had been left untreated.

As per the gallstone case history of the patient, he is clearly symptomatic of the disorder with pain in the abdomen, abdominal tenderness, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss due to the inability to digest food.

Mild cases of abdominal pain can be relieved by medications. However, acute pancreatitis can be cured only with hospital or clinic admission. People with mild cases usually get better within a week, and the problem usually gets better after 48 hours. Most people are discharged after three to four days. People with acute cases need constant monitoring and may also need Intensive Unit Care if they develop complications. The disorder causes dehydration, so fluids are replenished through IV and oxygen levels need to be maintained. The abdominal pain is managed through medications that can make the patient drowsy and unresponsive. In a mild case, the patient is advised a regular diet, while in acute cases, the patient is advised not to have solid foods as it may put pressure on the pancreas.

In the case of the reported patient, the doctor advised the removal of the gallstone through surgery. Till the scheduled surgery, the patient is to be constantly monitored and kept on medications. After surgery, the patient is advised to make dietary and lifestyle changes. He should quit smoking as he also has a heart ailment. He needs to stay away from spicy and oil-fried foods.

A proper post-operative care and treatment plan coupled with regular check-ups can help cure gallstones that lead to pancreatitis.

Don’t Ignore Gallstones Symptoms

This case shows how gallstones, when not treated on time, can lead to a serious condition like acute pancreatitis. What started as minor discomfort turned into a painful emergency. The good news is preventable and treatable. All it takes is the right care at the right time.

If you’re dealing with abdominal pain, nausea, or have been told you have gallstones, don’t wait for it to get worse. Early consultation can stop the disease from progressing into something dangerous. You deserve relief, and more importantly, peace of mind.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward healing. Get personalized pancreatitis treatment under the expert care of a specialist who truly understands your condition.

Seek immediate medical help for accurate diagnosis and treatment at the gastro & liver clinic in Patna, Bihar; gastro surgeon in Delhi; a Max Hospital liver specialist; NCR gastro liver clinic Gurgaon; best doctor in Patna for stomach issues; best female gynaecologist in Jhansi; or a liver cirrhosis specialist doctor in India.

1. Can gallstones cause acute pancreatitis?

Not all gallstones lead to pancreatitis. Only when a gallstone blocks the opening of the pancreatic duct, it leads to inflammation and pancreatitis.

2. Can acute pancreatitis be treated completely?

Mild pancreatitis can be treated with medicines. However, acute cases need comprehensive treatment, including hospitalisation.

3. How long does it take the pancreas to recover after treatment?

It takes around one to two weeks for the pancreas to heal.