Rosie Mason

Pancreatic Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment Rosie Mason

The pancreas is an endocrine and exocrine gland that is responsible for the secretion of insulin, glucagon, pancreatic juice, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide. It regulates blood sugar levels and breaks down proteins, carbohydrates and fats entering the duodenum from the stomach. The pancreas is susceptible to several kinds of diseases-pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, congenital malformations, neoplasms and cysts, etc. Pancreatitis is the chronic or acute inflammation of the pancreas. When food is not properly digested owing to a lack of digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas, a condition known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs. Certain congenital malformations of the pancreas include annular pancreas and pancreas divisum. The diagnosis of pancreatic diseases is based on a physical examination, blood tests, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, allow the evaluation of the pancreatic ducts. Oral pancreatic enzyme supplements and insulin therapy are often prescribed to manage pancreatitis and diabetes, respectively. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of pancreatic diseases and the recent researches in their pathophysiology. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different kinds of pancreatic disorders, and their diagnosis and management. It aims to serve as a resource guide for students and experts alike.