Yaz gallbladder disease is usually discussed in the context of cholesterol-based gallstones and inflammation of the gall bladder. The condition can also lead to acute pancreatitis. While pancreatitis can normally be treated with fluids and medications (delivered through an IV), a small percentage of cases may become serious - even potentially life-threatening.

This article will first describe the function of your pancreas and its role in your body's digestive process. We'll then take a closer look at how Yaz gallbladder disease can lead to inflammation of the pancreas and other side effects of acute pancreatitis.

How Your Pancreas Works

Your pancreas has two important jobs to perform. First, it produces enzymes that are vital to the digestion of proteins and fats within your small intestine. The organ secretes these enzymes through the pancreatic duct, which leads to the duodenum. The pancreas's second responsibility is to release insulin into your bloodstream.

If something blocks the passage of the digestive enzymes as they move toward the duodenum, the enzymes can activate while still contained within the pancreatic duct. If this happens, they will attack the organ. This leads to inflammation which manifests as abdominal pain (mild to severe), nausea and vomiting, and fever.

It is estimated that over 200,000 cases of acute pancreatitis are diagnosed each year. Up to 40% are due to blockages caused by gallstones.

Yaz Gallstones And Acute Pancreatitis

Gallstones can form due to several factors. For example, there may be higher than normal levels of cholesterol contained within the bile secreted by the liver. The cells within the wall of the gall bladder may be unable to fully absorb the excess cholesterol. As a result, the cholesterol crystallizes and forms stones. A lack of activity (i.e. contractions) within the gallbladder can also lead to gallstones; the bile is not pushed out of the organ quickly enough and is allowed to stagnate.

Yaz birth control pills are thought to contribute to stones in two ways: increased levels of cholesterol and less frequent contractions of the gallbladder.

If the stones migrate from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, they can travel to the lower portion of the duct. This is where the common bile duct merges with the pancreatic duct before both empty into the duodenum through the Sphincter of Oddi. Yaz gallstones that become lodged within this area can block the digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas. The result is acute pancreatitis, also commonly known as gallstone pancreatitis.

Treatment For Yaz Gallstone Pancreatitis

If acute pancreatitis is not associated with gallstones, it can usually be treated by the approach mentioned above: intravenous infusion of fluids and medications. However, Yaz gallbladder disease complicates matters. If inflammation or stones are present, your doctor will likely recommend gallbladder removal surgery.

Your gallbladder can normally be removed with a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, gallstones that trigger acute pancreatitis are found in the bile duct. If the surgeon is unable to remove them through laparoscopy, he must convert to open surgery. Not only are the risks greater with open surgery (including injury to the bile duct), but there is more postoperative pain and the recovery time is longer.

Gallbladder disease is one of the serious side effects of using Yaz birth control pills. If you have suffered inflammation within your gallbladder, gallstones, or acute pancreatitis after taking this combined-hormone oral contraceptive, you may have the right to file a claim against the manufacturer.