Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
13:38
Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Head Cancer: a Case Report of a Standardized Technique
Published on: June 24, 2022
Pancreatitis after open heart surgery in children
Summary
Children undergoing open heart surgery face serious risks of pancreatitis. Early detection via serum amylase screening is crucial, as pancreatitis significantly increases mortality risk in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Open heart surgery in children can lead to serious complications.
- Abnormal serum amylase and clinical pancreatitis are potential post-operative issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and outcomes of abnormal serum amylase and pancreatitis in pediatric patients following open heart surgery.
- To assess the mortality associated with these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing open heart surgery between January 1981 and March 1986.
- Analysis of serum amylase levels and clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis.
- Autopsy findings for fatal cases.
Main Results:
- 54 children had abnormal serum amylase or pancreatitis post-surgery.
- 33 had elevated amylase only; 19 had elevated amylase with pancreatitis.
- Mortality was significantly higher in children with pancreatitis (42.9%) compared to those with amylasaemia only (9.1%).
Conclusions:
- Pancreatitis is a severe complication in pediatric open heart surgery patients.
- Vascular compromise is a likely cause of pancreatitis.
- Routine serum amylase screening is recommended for early detection and management.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment:
01:25Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by the early activation of digestive enzymes, leading to the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. This results in local inflammation and, in severe cases, systemic complications.EtiologyUnderstanding the underlying causes is crucial, as identifying the etiology guides treatment and anticipates complications. Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, typically grouped into the following clinical categories.Biliary...
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...