- UTHealth Houston Gastroenterology & Digestive Health
- Pancreatic Diseases and Conditions
Pancreatic Diseases and Conditions
The pancreas is an integral component of the digestive system and is involved with multiple processes in the body, including insulin production and assisting with nutrient absorption. Pancreas disorders can lead to multiple ailments, and a timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment can help decrease the risk of developing severe complications. At UTHealth Houston Gastroenterology & Digestive Health, our team of experts are actively involved in the management of common and complex pancreatic disorders, including pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, and pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is acute inflammation of the pancreas triggered by a specific cause and, if left untreated, may develop into chronic inflammation and irreversible scarring of the pancreas tissue.
Pancreatic cysts
Pancreas cysts are a common finding in many patients and may be benign or premalignant. Some pancreas cysts may develop because of acute pancreatitis.
Pancreatic cancer
The clinical presentation of pancreatic cancer is varied, and patients should be assessed for risk factors that may predispose them to develop cancer of the pancreas.
Services and Treatments for pancreatic disorders
Endoscopic procedures
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Fine needle biopsy and aspiration
- Celiac plexus block
- Cystogastrostomy and necrosectomy
- Endoluminal anastomosis
- Radio frequency ablation of pancreatic tumor
Echolangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Biopsy and cytology evaluation
- Biliary tract and pancreas duct stenting
- Cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Biopsy, endoscopic mucosal resection, submucosal dissection
- Luminal stenting