Main description:

Diseases of the pancreas have been extremely difficult to study. Until relatively recently, the pancreas was viewed by surgeons as an organ to be avoided, given its deep retroperitoneal location and the sometimes severe consequences of manipulation. Similar difficulties have plagued careful study of the pancreas. In humans, only inf- quently have we had the opportunity to evaluate the evolution of d- eases of the pancreas; instead, we are confronted with end-stage chronic pancreatitis or acute pancreatitis with extensive necrosis of the gland. Within the past decade, revolutionary techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and animal models have begun to give us dramatic new insights into pancreatic disease. Coupled with these advances has been a slow but steady progress in the development of our clinical tools for diagnosing and treating pancreatic diseases. These advances place us on the threshold of a much more complete understanding of pancreatic diseases, opening up new opportunities for novel therapies and preventive measures. Pancreatitis and Its Complications brings together many of the world's experts in pancreatic diseases. These "pancreatologists" include basic scientists, endoscopists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons. The ch- ters have been organized to provide a comprehensive discussion of acute and chronic pancreatitis, with up-to-date discussions of pat- physiology, epidemiology, diagnostic strategies, treatment, and c- plications of disease. It is hoped that this text will serve as a useful reference for clinicians as well as provide a clinical background for scientists with an interest in pancreatic or related diseases.

Contents:

Part I. Acute Pancreatitis

Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Pancreatitis
Anil B. Nagar and Fred S. Gorelick

Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Acute Pancreatitis
Frank R. Burton

Gallstone Pancreatitis
Matthias Kraft and Markus M. Lerch

Other Causes of Acute Pancreatitis
Charles D. Ulrich, II

Treatment of Mild Acute Pancreatitis and Prevention of Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis
Michael Morelli and Lehel Somogyi

Treatment of Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Peter Draganov

Pancreatic Necrosis and Infections in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis
Michael L. Kendrick and Michael G. Sarr

Pancreatic Fluid Collections and Pseudocysts in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis
Michael F. Byrne and John Baillie

Part II. Chronic Pancreatitis

Epidemiology of Chronic Pancreatitis
Albert B. Lowenfels and Patrick Maisonneuve

Risk, Etiology, and Pathophysiology of Chronic Pancreatitis
David C. Whitcomb

Natural History of Chronic Pancreatitis
Supot Pongprasobchai and Jonathan E. Clain

Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis
Chris E. Forsmark

Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis Pain: Overview and Medical Management
Phillip P. Toskes

Endoscopic Approach to Chronic Pancreatitis
Lee McHenry, Glen Lehman, and Stuart Sherman

Surgery for Chronic Pancreatitis
Martin D. Smith, Elias Degiannis, and Selwyn M. Vickers

Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Supot Pongprasobchai and Eugene P. DiMagno

Complications of Chronic Pancreatitis
John Petersen and Chris E. Forsmark

Index