Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disorder that leads to irreversible destruction of the exocrine and endocrine tissue of the pancreas. Fibrotic replacement of the normal pancreas may be associated with persistent abdominal pain, the development of exocrine insufficiency, and…
Acute pancreatitis is the most common gastrointestinal disease for which patients are acutely hospitalized and its incidence is rising. Around 80% of patients with acute pancreatitis have a mild disease course where symptoms usually resolve within 1 week. Approximately 20%…
The term pancreas is derived from Greek meaning “all flesh” and developmental biologists have been intrigued for years with the fascinating embryologic development of the pancreas. It is an endodermally derived organ, consisting of two morphologically distinct tissues, the exocrine…
The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery are susceptible to injury from both blunt and penetrating trauma. Injuries to the mesenteric arteries compose a small subset of intraabdominal vascular trauma. A multiinstitutional study involving 34 trauma centers reported…
Aortoenteric Fistulas Aortoenteric fistulas (AEFs) are rare entities that can quickly lead to sepsis, hemorrhage, and lethal exsanguination if they are not quickly diagnosed and treated. Sir Astley Cooper, an English comparative anatomist and surgeon, was the first to describe…
Mesenteric ischemia represents insufficient perfusion of the mesentery to meet the metabolic demands of the splanchnic system. Understanding the etiology and presentation of the different forms of mesenteric ischemia is pivotal to the prompt diagnosis and treatment of this often…
The focus of this chapter is limited to describing the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the mesenteric circulation. The terms mesenteric circulation and splanchnic circulation are sometimes used interchangeably; however, they have distinct meanings. The mesenteric circulation refers specifically to…
Surgical procedures typically involve excision, resection, or transection to address a pathologic situation. Subsequent reconstruction, which includes maneuvers to secure a restoration of function, often allows the choice of a variety of methods. Surgical and general medical principles, safeguards, and…
Ileostomy is an intestinal stoma fashioned from the distal small intestine. Although the creation of an ileostomy can be the smallest part of a larger surgery, the stoma can have the most significant physical and psychosocial effect on a patient.…
In infants and children, small intestinal disorders encompass a wide spectrum of congenital and acquired conditions distinct from those seen in adults. Congenital lesions, such as rotational anomalies, duodenal or jejunoileal atresia, meconium ileus, omphalomesenteric remnants, and duplication cysts, are…