Neil Winter
The pancreas is a glandular organ located in the upper abdomen that is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels. Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and can block the ducts that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. When gallstones block the bile ducts, the backup of bile can cause inflammation and swelling of the pancreas, a condition known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic and can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and rapid heartbeat.