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 "e;pancreatologists"e; 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.

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.

Acute Pancreatitis.- Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Pancreatitis.- Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Acute Pancreatitis.- Gallstone Pancreatitis.- Other Causes of Acute Pancreatitis.- Treatment of Mild Acute Pancreatitis and Prevention of Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis.- Treatment of Severe Acute Pancreatitis.- Pancreatic Necrosis and Infections in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis.- Pancreatic Fluid Collections and Pseudocysts in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis.- Chronic Pancreatitis.- Epidemiology of Chronic Pancreatitis.- Risk, Etiology, and Pathophysiology of Chronic Pancreatitis.- Natural History of Chronic Pancreatitis.- Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis.- Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis Pain.- Endoscopic Approach to Chronic Pancreatitis.- Surgery for Chronic Pancreatitis.- Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.- Complications of Chronic Pancreatitis.

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.