Pancreatic Diseases
The pancreas sits behind the stomach and produces digestive enzymes and insulin. Because it shares a common channel outlet with the bile duct, gallbladder and bile duct disease can directly affect it. This section explains acute pancreatitis, gallstone pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts and IPMN, pancreatic tumours and the period after pancreatic surgery in plain language: which findings are urgent, why specific tests are requested, and how a surgical decision is reached.
Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back with nausea and vomiting is the typical onset of acute pancreatitis and needs urgent assessment. Pancreatic cysts are usually found incidentally on imaging; whether surveillance or surgery is appropriate depends on the cyst type and worrisome features. For pancreatic tumours, diagnosis and treatment are decided together with imaging, endoscopic assessment and a multidisciplinary team.
Sudden inflammation of the pancreas; gallstones and alcohol are the most frequent causes. Hospital assessment is required.
Triggered by a stone passing into the bile duct; the timing of gallbladder surgery after the attack is assessed separately.
Surveillance or surgery is discussed according to cyst type, size, duct involvement and worrisome features.
Benign versus malignant nature, spread and resectability are assessed with advanced imaging and a tumour board.
Procedures such as the Whipple operation and distal pancreatectomy are considered in selected patients; the decision is individual.
Nutrition, the need for enzyme supplementation and blood sugar monitoring are planned according to the operation and remaining pancreatic tissue.
Common Symptoms
- Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, sometimes eased by leaning forward
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Bloating and indigestion after fatty meals
- Unintentional weight loss
- Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools
- New-onset or suddenly harder-to-control high blood sugar
Pages in This Category
Patient information from Antalya on acute pancreatitis: typical pain, enzyme elevation, imaging criteria, severity assessment and in-hospital care.
Patient information on biliary pancreatitis: diagnosis, same-admission cholecystectomy in mild disease, delayed surgery in severe cases and when ERCP is needed.
Patient information on pancreatic cysts and IPMN: MRI/MRCP, endoscopic ultrasound when needed, high-risk stigmata, worrisome features and multidisciplinary assessment.
Patient information on pancreatic cancer: warning symptoms, pancreas-protocol CT, MRI and EUS, resectability assessment and multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Patient information on the Whipple procedure: which organs are removed, how the digestive tract is reconstructed, risks, preparation and recovery.
Patient information on distal pancreatectomy: scope of the operation, when the spleen is preserved or removed, risks, and enzyme and glucose monitoring afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Appointment & Contact
You are welcome to get in touch for information about pancreatic conditions or to arrange a consultation. An assessment requires a clinical examination and the necessary investigations; please do not send medical documents by message.
The information on this page is provided for general patient education only and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or any surgical decision. An assessment appropriate for you can only be made after a clinical examination and the necessary investigations.