Hepatobiliary

Overview Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common form of pancreatic cancer and a major cause of cancer-related death. They arise from the ductal epithelium as the result of accumulated genetic mutations. Adenocarcinomas are the most common pancreatic neoplasm, accounting for around 85% of cases. Asymptomatic through much of its development, sadly this cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when the chance of cure is faint. When caught early, surgery may offer a chance at curative therapy. Epidemiology There are approximately 10,500 cases of pancreatic cancer each year in the UK. Overall it is the tenth most common cancer in the UK,

Overview Chronic pancreatitis refers to chronic, irreversible, inflammation and/or fibrosis of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis is traditionally considered as chronic, irreversible, inflammation and/or fibrosis of the pancreas. It is essentially a fibroinflammatory syndrome (evidence of fibrosis and inflammation) that occurs in patients with genetic and/or environmental risk factors for pancreatic injury. In the Western world, the leading cause of chronic pancreatitis is alcohol. Injury leads to structural and/or functional changes that include atrophy, calcification, strictures, exocrine dysfunction, endocrine dysfunction, and even increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Management centres on pain control and endoscopic or surgical treatment of complications. Exocrine and endocrine

Introduction Acute pancreatitis refers to an acute inflammatory process involving the pancreas. Pancreatitis occurs due to the uncontrolled release of activated pancreatic enzymes within the pancreas resulting in autodigestion. Patients may suffer a spectrum of disease from mild abdominal discomfort to multi-organ failure. Pancreatitis has an annual incidence of 13-45 cases per 100,000, with trends showing that it is becoming more common. It tends to occur more in men and is commonly secondary to gallstones or alcohol misuse. Aetiology Alcohol misuse and gallstones are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis. Alcohol misuse and gallstones are responsible for upwards of 75% of cases of