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Pancreas

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Clinical Investigations in Gastroenterology

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Abstract

The investigation of pancreatic disease remains problematical and unsatisfactory despite the introduction of a host of techniques. The use of MRCP, EUS, ultrasonography or CT to define the anatomy of the gland, coupled with one of the tests of exocrine secretion is probably the most satisfactory method of assessment. Estimation of steatorrhoea, glucose tolerance and serum amylase can provide valuable additional information. These tests are required to determine whether pancreatic disease is present and, if so, its nature. The differentiation of chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer is an important though often unresolved question. The laboratory diagnosis of pancreatic disease can be quite simple in the presence of jaundice, glycosuria or steatorrhoea; it is when the only symptom is abdominal pain that the diagnosis frequently proves extremely difficult.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bishop Auckland, UK

    Malcolm C. Bateson

  2. Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK

    Ian A. D. Bouchier

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Bateson, M.C., Bouchier, I.A.D. (2017). Pancreas. In: Clinical Investigations in Gastroenterology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53786-3_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53786-3_11

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