Pancreatic pseudocysts, abscesses, and walled-off necrosis (WON) are types of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) that arise as a consequence of pancreatic injury. These sequelae of pancreatic injury result from a disruption of the main pancreatic duct (PD) and/or side branches.…
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a rare disease in Western countries (incidence 2 to 10/100,000 per year). It ultimately leads to irreversible damage of the pancreas, with exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. In the majority of cases pain is the major clinical…
Background Over time, the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the setting of acute pancreatitis has evolved. Previously, ERCP was commonly used after resolution of an acute attack, or more commonly multiple attacks, in an attempt to define pancreatic…
Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis (AP), accounting for approximately 35% of cases in the United States and Europe and up to 65% of cases in Asia. The majority of patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP) will…
Determining the cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) is usually not difficult. AP results most commonly from alcohol abuse or gallstone disease. These etiologies account for 60% to 90% of the cases ( Box 52.1 ). Box 52.1 Etiologies of Acute…
Pancreatic cystic lesions comprise a spectrum ranging from benign to premalignant to invasive malignancies. Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) are relatively rare, accounting for less than 10% of all pancreatic neoplasms. Their diagnostic frequency increases with age and has noticeably increased…
Introduction and Scientific Basis Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) is a condition characterized by repeated attacks of bacterial infection of the biliary tract. It is believed that the initiating event is the entry of enteric flora into the biliary tree, which…
Parasitic infestation of the biliary tract is a common cause of hepatobiliary disease in developing countries and in rural areas of developed countries. With increasing international travel and immigration, clinicians in developed countries will likely encounter these conditions with increasing…
Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the biliary tree. It is characterized by stricturing and dilation of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts, with concentric obliterative fibrosis of intrahepatic biliary radicles. PSC is closely associated…
The diagnosis and treatment of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) presents a significant challenge. This chapter is intended to provide readers with a practical guide to the evaluation and management of patients with pancreaticobiliary-type pain and suspected SOD by providing…