Q I heard gallstones can also cause pancreatitis. Can both occur at the same time?
A Gallstone pancreatitis occurs when a stone lodged in the bile duct blocks the opening of the pancreatic duct. If sudden upper abdominal pain radiates to the back accompanied by vomiting, go to the emergency room immediately.
Detailed Answer
When a bile duct stone migrates to the duodenal papilla, it can also block the pancreatic duct, causing pancreatic digestive enzymes to reflux and trigger acute pancreatitis. This is one of the most dangerous gallstone complications, and if it progresses to severe pancreatitis it can be life-threatening. It should be suspected when upper abdominal pain radiates in a band-like pattern to the lower back and amylase and lipase levels rise.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
The acute phase of gallstone pancreatitis requires emergency care and hospitalization. After recovery, to prevent recurrence we use bile-promoting (利膽) prescriptions to improve bile flow and provide supportive Korean medicine care to help restore overall digestive function.
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