Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Annular pancreas is a rare congenital condition in which a ring of pancreatic tissue wraps around the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). This encircling tissue can pinch or block the intestine, leading to feeding and digestive problems. Some individuals remain symptom-free, while others especially infants may require surgery to relieve the obstruction.
He reviews your symptoms, growth history (in infants), feeding patterns, and performs a focused abdominal exam to detect signs of obstruction or reflux.
We check for nutritional deficiencies and rule out other gastrointestinal or metabolic causes of vomiting and poor weight gain.
In utero, a fetal ultrasound may reveal polyhydramnios or duodenal dilation, raising early suspicion for annular pancreas.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
It's a congenital birth defect in which the pancreas forms as a ring of tissue encircling the duodenum instead of developing on one side.
Common signs include vomiting (often green or yellow), poor feeding or slow weight gain in infants, and belly pain, bloating, heartburn, or indigestion in older children and adults.
Diagnosis typically involves a medical history and exam, blood tests, and imaging such as a CT scan. Ultrasound or MRI may be used for additional detail, and prenatal ultrasound can pick up warning signs in utero.
Annular pancreas squeezes and narrows the duodenum but may still allow some passage, whereas duodenal atresia is a complete blockage of the duodenum.
A CT scan clearly delineates the ring of pancreatic tissue around the duodenum and any resulting narrowing or obstruction of the intestinal passage.
Yes. If the fetal duodenum is obstructed by the pancreatic ring, the baby can't swallow enough amniotic fluid, leading to excess fluid in the womb.
Treatment ranges from dietary adjustments and medications (acid reducers, digestive enzymes) to minimally invasive procedures (endoscopic stenting) or surgery (laparoscopic bypass or open surgical bypass) depending on severity.
Most patients stay in the hospital 2-5 days, gradually resume eating, and reach a normal diet within a few weeks.
Yes. Eating smaller, more frequent meals of soft, low-fat foods and avoiding spicy or carbonated drinks can ease discomfort and improve digestion.
