The Duodenum
- General Surgery
- Hernia Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Laparoscopic Surgery
- Endoscopy
- Enhanced Recovery Programmes
- Information Downloads
- Videos
- Who Should Be Looking After Me?
- What is?
- Fees
The Duodenum
The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine which begins at the outlet of the stomach and empties into the jejunum at its end. The contents of the biliary duct system (both bile and pancreatic fluids) empty into it.It is here that crucial phases of the process of digestion take place. Anatomically it is closely related to the stomach, gall bladder, pancreas and colon. It is affected by a variety of surgical conditions most commonly benign and only very occasionally malignant.
Stomach content is acidic and pancreatic fluid alkaline. Both are secreted into the duodenum and may injure the lining causing duodenitis or ulcers. This may result in pain, nausea, and indigestion and blood loss. The duodenum is easily investigated by the general surgeon usually using endoscopic techniques.