Question

Digestion Essay Question (10 pts)

A. What effects would result from surgical removal of each of the following? (6 pts)

• Stomach

• Gall bladder

• Pancreas

B. Removal of which one would have the biggest impact on digestion?  The smallest impact? Explain your reasoning. (4 pts)

Answer 1

A)

- Gastrectomy or surgical removal of a part or whole stomach may lead to a condition known as dumping syndrome. The swallowed food reaches the intestine quickly and this may leads to problems like nausea, diarrhea, flushing and sweating after eating. There will be a feeling of fullness even after consuming a small quantity food. Weight loss and vitamin B12 deficiency may also be seen.

- Cholecystectomy or removal of gallery bladder, may produce digestive symptoms like fat indigestion, diarrhea flatulence and constipation.

- Pancreatectomy is the complete or partial removal of pancreas. It interfere with digestion of food and also blood glucose levels. There may be indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, diabetes or hyperglycemia is also seen.

B) the largest impact on the digestive system would be Pancreatectomy. Digestive enzymes and artificial insulin will have to be provided in order to have a normal life. Smallest impact would be Gastrectomy, as the storage and breakdown function of the stomach will be taken over by the intestines. Protein metabolism will also be carried out in the small intestine. A Cholecystectomy on the other hand will impact fat metabolism and hence fat consumption will have to be regulated.