Digestive System

Pancreatic Diseases

The pancreas is an organ which aids in digestion by producing digestive enzymes that will be used in the stomach and by digestive organelles. The pancreas is also responsible for the production of insulin, the body’s main regulator of sugar in the blood. Because of the large range of functions, there are many diseases and disorders which can be linked to the pancreas. Treatments are being developed to treat pancreatic abnormalities and diseases.

Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.* The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. If peptic ulcers are found in the stomach, they're called gastric ulcers. If they're found in the duodenum, they're called duodenal ulcers. A person can have more than one ulcer.

Postoperative Ileus

Postoperative Ileus is a temporary paralysis of a portion of the intestines typically after an abdominal surgery. Since the intestinal content of this portion is unable to move forward, food or drink should be avoided until peristaltic sound is heard from auscultation of the area where this portion lies.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea. When the inflammation occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon it is called ulcerative proctitis. If the entire colon is affected it is called pancolitis. If only the left side of the colon is affected it is called limited or distal colitis. Ulcerative colitis can occur in people of any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30, and less frequently between 50 and 70 years of age. It affects men and women equally and appears to run in families.