Pancreaticobiliary Diseases
What are pancreaticobiliary diseases?
Pancreaticobiliary diseases involve conditions affecting the pancreas and the bile duct system (including the bile ducts and gallbladder). These organs are critical for digestion and nutrient absorption. Conditions include gallstones, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), strictures (narrowing) of the bile or pancreatic ducts, and cancers of the pancreas or bile ducts.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms can be acute and severe (like in pancreatitis) or chronic and subtle:
Abdominal pain (often in the upper right or mid-abdomen, radiating to the back)
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes, due to bile duct blockage)
Nausea and vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Dark urine and pale stools
Fevers/chills (indicative of cholangitis—bile duct infection)
How are pancreaticobiliary diseases diagnosed and investigated?
These conditions often require a number of tests for diagnosis
Blood tests: To check pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase), liver function, and tumour markers.
Imaging: Ultrasound (often the first test), CT , and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are used to visualise the pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A procedure where a special endoscope with an ultrasound probe examines the pancreas and bile ducts from within the stomach/duodenum. Any abnormal tissue can be sampled carefully with a fine needle.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): An advanced procedure involving a special endoscope and X-ray to diagnose and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts
Treatment and management of pancreaticobiliary disease
Dr Shane Selvanderan is an internationally trained Interventional Endoscopist with specific expertise in managing complex pancreaticobiliary diseases.
ERCP: Used to remove bile duct stones, treat bile duct strictures with stenting, and drain the biliary system.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): Essential for diagnosing and staging pancreatic masses and guiding drainage procedures.
Medical management: For conditions like chronic pancreatitis, focusing on pain management and enzyme replacement.
Get expert management for complex pancreaticobiliary issues
Dr Shane Selvanderan has undertaken fellowship training both in Australia and internationally in this area, and has a subspecialty interest in pancreaticobiliary diseases. He also works with colleagues in surgery and interventional radiology as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure each patient receives the best possible care for their condition.