Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas often caused by its own digestive enzymes that can begin to attack the organ. Treatments are geared toward helping the pancreas recover from inflammation, and reducing pain and other symptoms.
At the University of Chicago Medical Center, our gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons are experienced in diagnosing and treating all forms of pancreatitis, which include the following:
- Acute pancreatitis, which is marked by one or more sudden, severe attacks followed by recovery periods where the pancreas returns to normal.
- Chronic pancreatitis, which is an ongoing problem that typically does not resolve on its own.
- Hereditary pancreatitis, which is a rare, inherited condition characterized by repeat episodes of acute pancreatitis.
Our pancreatic care team offers the full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment options for pancreatitis. In the few cases where surgical treatment of the pancreas is required, our specialists can perform a number of advanced procedures, including:
- Autologous islet cell transplantation (islet cell autotransplantation) to prevent diabetes or limit diabetes after total pancreatectomy. This treatment is only available at select hospitals.
- Duodenum-sparing pancreatic head resection, including the Beger procedure, the Frey procedure, and the Bern modification.
- Spleen-preserving pancreatic tail resection (distal pancreatectomy)
- Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) pancreatic operations, such as pseudocyst drainage and distal pancreatectomy
- Endoscopic (non-surgical) placement of pancreatic stents and drainage of pancreatic fluid collections
