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Annular Pancreas
Annular pancreas, a rare congenital condition where pancreatic tissue encircles the duodenum, can obstruct digestion and cause pain, bloating, and vomiting. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen specializes in minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment, offering care to restore health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Congenital anomaly - abnormal rotation of the ventral pancreatic bud around the duodenum during fetal development
Polyhydramnios in utero - excess amniotic fluid from impaired fetal swallowing secondary to duodenal obstruction
Rare familial predisposition - occasional reports of hereditary cases among close relatives
Signs and Symptoms
Postprandial abdominal pain or cramping
Early satiety and bloating after meals
Nausea and vomiting (may be bilious if high-grade obstruction)
Failure to thrive or feeding intolerance in infants
Recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms that mimic other GI disorders
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Annular Pancreas
At GastroDoxs, Dr. Nguyen takes a step-by-step approach:
Reviews your medical history and symptoms
Uses ultrasound or CT scan to look for a ring of pancreas tissue
Orders upper GI series or MRI to check for a narrow duodenum
May use endoscopic ultrasound for more detailed images
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for annular pancreas.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat small, low-fat meals throughout the day
Stay upright after meals to help digestion
Drink plenty of water with each meal
2. Medications
Pancreatic enzymes to aid digestion
Acid reducers (H2 blockers or PPIs) to ease heartburn
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy to bypass the blockage
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes annular pancreas?
It's a congenital birth defect where pancreatic tissue forms a ring around the duodenum, potentially blocking food flow.
Can doctors detect it before birth?
Yes. Prenatal ultrasound may reveal polyhydramnios—excess amniotic fluid—suggesting a duodenal blockage.
What are the common symptoms?
Belly pain after eating, bloating or feeling full quickly, nausea, vomiting, and other digestive discomforts.
How do doctors confirm annular pancreas?
Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound clearly show the pancreatic ring and duodenal narrowing.
When is surgery recommended?
If symptoms are severe or don't improve with dietary changes and medications, surgery—like duodenojejunostomy or stent placement—may be advised.
Is minimally invasive surgery safe?
Yes. At GastroDoxs, laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches mean smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery under Dr. Nguyen's care.
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