For the precise diagnosis and the appointment of the most effective therapy in medical practice, various methods of pancreas research are used. The most simple and at the same time informative, able to detect violations at their earliest stage is ultrasound. Ultrasound allows you to examine the gland in various projections, and the permissible frequency of its holding makes it possible to observe the course of the disease in dynamics.
Indications for the conduct of ultrasound is:
- Pain in the epigastric region, regardless of whether they are permanent or periodic.
- The altered form of the duodenum, detected during x-rays.
- Tenderness for palpation of the abdomen or neoplasm revealed by palpation.
- Chronic pancreatitis( periodic study to prevent recurrence).
- Suspected hematoma, cyst or pancreatic cancer.
- Changing the shape of the posterior gastric wall, found during gastroscopy.
Like any other method of pancreas research, ultrasound requires special preparation of the patient, which includes refusing 48 hours before the procedure for products provoking gassing( rye bread, all types of legumes, all varieties of cabbage), and beyond that - per daybefore the test:
- 1 tablet of activated carbon per 10 kg of patient's body weight: take thrice during the day, wash down with boiled water;
- enzyme preparations: one tablet at each meal;
- laxative: tablets or suppositories, 10 hours before ultrasound, after which - a complete refusal of food.
The ultrasound method allows to determine the slightest deviations from the norm, such as changes in the echostructure arising in the pancreas with various inflammatory processes and other diseases, including cysts, neoplasms and chronic pancreatitis. Of course, one should not diminish the importance of other methods of research of the pancreas, however the most informative and at the same time safe for the patient, at any stage of the disease, is ultrasound. That is why when you seek medical help from patients with complaints of abdominal pain, ultrasound is first of all assigned, which together with the results of the analyzes allows you to make an accurate diagnosis.
How to examine the pancreas?
The question of how to examine the pancreas is relevant for patients who have a suction impairment. Timely diagnosis will reveal pathological changes, in particular, with pancreatitis.
There are the following types of study of the functions of the pancreas.
Study of pancreatic enzymes( trypsin, lipase, amylase, chymotrypsin).Allows you to evaluate the exocrine function. It is carried out by stimulation of the body: direct( the injection of secretin and cholecystokinin) and indirect( the use of nutritional mixtures, fatty acids and amino acids), with the study of duodenal contents.
Test for glucose tolerance. In this way, it is possible to evaluate the endocrine function, which is impaired in approximately 75% of patients with pancreatitis or with a tumor.
Laboratory and instrumental methods of pancreas research
The use of various methods of pancreatic diagnosis will allow the patient to accurately diagnose and identify the disease at an early stage.
Laboratory methods:
- Assay for amylase in blood and urine. Its excess indicates an acute stage of the disease.
- A study of plasma cholesterol levels reveals a violation of the hydrolysis of fats with organ dysfunction.
- Stool analysis. Produced for the detection of increased feces and neutral fat in the stool( steatorrhea).
Also laboratory diagnostics involves the use of various immunological, cytological, histological studies, etc.
The most simple and, at the same time, an effective instrumental method is ultrasound. In addition to this, the following methods are used:
- Radiography of abdominal organs. With its help, it is possible to detect indirect signs of pancreatic damage, such as changing the position of neighboring organs.
- Computed tomography( CT) when combined with MR-cholangiopancreatography and MR angiography provides the most comprehensive diagnostic result. CT allows you to assess the condition of the body, as well as to identify possible pathologies and neoplasms.
- Excretory pancreatography - used to contrast the parenchyma. The patient is injected intravenously with VeraGraphin, and also the organ pictures are taken.
Laparoscopy or biopsy is used as an additional testing technique.