The pancreas is a retroperitoneal digestive organ that performs essential endocrine and exocrine functions. Pancreatic disorders, including acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, and pancreatic cancer, are common, difficult to manage, and pose a significant burden on healthcare resources. Acute pancreatitis, often caused by alcohol consumption or gallstones, is one of the most frequent reasons for emergency hospitalizations, with over 250,000 cases per year in the United States. Its sequel, chronic pancreatitis, is linked to poor quality of life, abdominal pain, exocrine insufficiency, and a higher risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pseudocysts frequently occur in chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic cysts are increasingly identified during cross-sectional abdominal imaging studies. Mucinous pancreatic cysts can develop into pancreatic cancer, making accurate diagnosis crucial for potentially lifesaving treatment. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related death globally and the third most common in the United States. Finally, pancreatic resections are among the most complex abdominal surgeries, with significant risks of complications and mortality. This chapter will help Physician Assistants understand the fundamentals of pancreatic disease and surgery, including indications, procedures, complications, and postoperative care.

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Pancreatic Disease

  • Sreelakshmi Reddivari,
  • David W. McFadden,
  • Martha Grajewski

摘要

The pancreas is a retroperitoneal digestive organ that performs essential endocrine and exocrine functions. Pancreatic disorders, including acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, and pancreatic cancer, are common, difficult to manage, and pose a significant burden on healthcare resources. Acute pancreatitis, often caused by alcohol consumption or gallstones, is one of the most frequent reasons for emergency hospitalizations, with over 250,000 cases per year in the United States. Its sequel, chronic pancreatitis, is linked to poor quality of life, abdominal pain, exocrine insufficiency, and a higher risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pseudocysts frequently occur in chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic cysts are increasingly identified during cross-sectional abdominal imaging studies. Mucinous pancreatic cysts can develop into pancreatic cancer, making accurate diagnosis crucial for potentially lifesaving treatment. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related death globally and the third most common in the United States. Finally, pancreatic resections are among the most complex abdominal surgeries, with significant risks of complications and mortality. This chapter will help Physician Assistants understand the fundamentals of pancreatic disease and surgery, including indications, procedures, complications, and postoperative care.