Pancreatic insufficiency is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough of the enzymes needed to breakdown food. This results in the inability to digest food properly and absorb the nutrients your body needs. There are a variety of possible causes, inlcuding but not limited to pancreatitis, pancreas surgery, pancreatic cancer (or other diseases that block pancreatic ducts), Crohn's disease, or celiacs disease.
Common symptoms include weight loss, pain in your belly or back, bloating, gas, or fatty stools.
How is Pancreatic Insufficiency Diagnosed?
Pancreatic insufficiency is diagnosed using:
- blood and stool tests
- CT scans an MRIs
- ERCP
How is Pancreatic Insufficiency Treated?
Treatment options for pancreatic insufficiency include:
- Lifestyle modifications (avoid fatty foods, limit alcohol intake, avoid smoking, and adopt a well-balanced diet)
- Vitamin supplementation (primarily the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K)
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to normalize your gut's absorption of nutrients
- Treatment of diseases causing pancreatic insufficiency (when possible)
Minnesota Pancreas Doctor
If you persistently have any of the symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency listed above, call to schedule an exam with Dr. Bhatti at our Chaska or Edina clinics. Dr. Bhatti is board-certified and has decades of experience treating patients throughout the state of Minnesota.
Click to learn more about pancreatic insufficiency.
Locations
Chaska GI Clinic
1457 White Oak Dr
Chaska, MN 55318
Phone: 952-368-3800
Fax: 952-368-3801
St. Francis Regional Medical Center
1515 St. Francis Ave. #250
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: 952-368-3800
Fax: 952-368-3801
Edina GI Clinic
6500 Barrie Rd.
Edina, MN 55435
Phone: 952-368-3800
Fax: 952-368-3801