Pancreatic Diseases

Pancreatic Disorders

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 UT 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 defined by acute inflammation of the pancreas by a specific precipitant and if left untreated may develop into chronic inflammation and irreversible scarring of the pancreas tissue. Though multiple etiologies may lead to the development of acute pancreatitis and ensuing chronic pancreatitis, the most common reasons are biliary tract disease and alcohol use. Symptoms can be debilitating and may lead to lifelong difficulties, including chronic abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, and poor quality of life. Through the use of both procedural and non-procedural testing, our team assists with the diagnosis, management, and treatment of various pancreas disorders that cause pancreatitis or the disorders that develop as a consequence of pancreatitis.

Pancreas Cysts

Pancreas cysts are a common finding in many patients and may be benign or pre-malignant. Some pancreas cysts may develop as a consequence of acute pancreatitis. Once discovered, it is imperative to characterize the pancreas cyst, and through a multi-disciplinary approach, develop a management strategy for each patient. Our team at UT Health is involved in both procedural and non-procedural management of pancreatic cysts including advanced imaging, tissue sampling or biopsy, or therapeutic procedures to relieve symptoms from certain types of cysts.

Pancreas Cancer

The clinical presentation of pancreas cancer is varied, and patients should be assessed for risk factors that may predispose them to develop cancer of the pancreas. If diagnosed in a timely fashion, pancreas cancer may be successfully treated with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Our multi-disciplinary team at UT Health assists with the diagnosis, management and treatment of the different types of pancreas cancer and the associated complications of the disease.

Services Provided by our center at UT Health for pancreatic disorders

Endoscopic Procedures

  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
    • Fine Needle Biopsy and Aspiration
    • Celiac Plexus Block
    • Cystgastrostomy and Necrosectomy
    • Endoluminal Anastomosis
    • Radio frequency ablation of pancreatic tumors
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
    • Biopsy and Cytology Evaluation
    • Biliary Tract and Pancreas Duct Stenting
    • Cholangioscopy and Pancreatoscopy
  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
    • Biopsy, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection, Submucosal Dissection
    • Luminal Stenting