sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction occurs when the muscle controlling the flow of bile and pancreatic juices from the liver and pancreas into the small intestine doesn’t work properly. This muscle, called the sphincter of Oddi, can become too tight or spasmodic, causing a backup of digestive fluids. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or pancreatitis. The condition is diagnosed through specialized tests and may require treatments such as medication, or procedures to relax or open the sphincter. It’s an issue with the regulation of digestive fluid flow impacting normal digestion.