Pancreatic & Biliary Disorders
The pancreas, bile ducts and gallbladder form a closely connected system. Problems in this area can range from gallstone-related disease and pancreatitis to pancreatic cysts, masses and bile-duct obstruction.
Conditions assessed
Care may include assessment of acute or chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts or lesions, dilated bile ducts, obstructive jaundice, gallstone-related complications and other pancreaticobiliary abnormalities found on scans or blood tests.
Choosing the right investigation
Ultrasound, CT and MRI/MRCP are often important first-line investigations. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can provide detailed imaging of the pancreas and bile ducts and, in selected cases, allows tissue sampling.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
EUS combines endoscopy with high-frequency ultrasound from within the digestive tract. Because the ultrasound probe can be positioned close to the pancreas and bile ducts, it can provide detailed assessment of lesions that may be difficult to characterise on conventional imaging alone.
ERCP
ERCP is primarily a therapeutic procedure used for selected bile-duct and pancreatic-duct problems—for example, removing duct stones, relieving obstruction or placing a stent. It is generally used when an intervention is required rather than simply for diagnosis.
Working as a team
Complex pancreatic and biliary disease often benefits from multidisciplinary care involving gastroenterology, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, radiology, pathology and oncology when appropriate.
When to seek urgent care
Severe persistent upper abdominal pain, fever with jaundice, worsening jaundice or symptoms of acute pancreatitis require urgent medical assessment.
Need a gastroenterology assessment?
If you would like to arrange a consultation, you can request an appointment with the practice.
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