The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and glucose regulation, and the biliary tract is essential for transporting bile from the liver to the intestine, which affects both digestion and the elimination of waste products from the liver.
Regarding the pancreas, various conditions such as acute or chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer can affect its function. On the other hand, disorders such as cholecystitis, cholangitis, and gallstones can impair the normal functioning of the biliary tract.
At ICAdig, we have a team of experts specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic and biliary tract disorders, dedicated to providing personalized solutions to address these conditions and improve your digestive health.
In addition, we believe in the importance of educating our patients about these conditions, which is why we provide resources and guidance to help them understand symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options. Early detection and proper management are essential to improving the quality of life of those who suffer from pancreatic and biliary tract diseases.
This group of diseases is among those that have experienced the greatest increase in frequency over the past decade, with even higher increases expected in the coming decades.
The term refers to inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic. Acute inflammation may appear suddenly, often following the movement of gallstones in the bile duct or as a result of exposure to various toxins, including certain medications or alcohol. As with other digestive organs, less frequently, an immune attack on the gland may occur, known as autoimmune pancreatitis.
Modern abdominal imaging techniques have increased the frequency of detecting cystic lesions of the pancreas. There are multiple types of cysts. Most of these lesions are benign, but a small proportion may progress to cancer and therefore require specific follow-up.
Although its incidence is much lower than that of other digestive tumors, it has the lowest survival rate of all cancers. Estimates indicate that in the coming years it will surpass other more common cancers, such as colorectal cancer, as a cause of death.
The gallbladder or bile ducts can contain deposits of calcium or bilirubin that may cause obstructions in bile or pancreatic flow. Although they are often asymptomatic, in some cases they can trigger pain or acute inflammation of the bile ducts or pancreas.
Biliary tract diseases can affect the biliary system, which plays a crucial role in digestion and the elimination of liver waste. In this section, we examine the most common diseases, their symptoms, and how our team can provide personalized solutions.
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Early evaluation is crucial to prevent complications.
Cholangitis is an infection of the bile ducts. It causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, and chills. Timely treatment is essential to prevent serious complications.
Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. They can cause abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty foods, as well as other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Obstruction of the bile ducts can lead to jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause to restore normal bile flow.
Recognizing the symptoms of pancreatic diseases is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. The symptoms associated with these conditions can vary, but some are common. These include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, changes in bowel habits, and general discomfort. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis. Below, we will explore the common signs associated with pancreatic diseases.
Healthy lifestyle habits reduce the risk of many bile duct and pancreatic disorders.
A balanced diet and regular exercise have anti-inflammatory effects and can help prevent pancreatic and bile duct diseases.
Assessing pancreatic health sometimes requires specific imaging tests, which may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), endoscopic ultrasound, as well as hormonal and functional tests. These tools now allow for a highly precise evaluation of the pancreas.
Assessing the risk of bile duct and pancreatic problems requires a detailed review of overall health as well as personal and family medical history. In some cases, where there is a family history of pancreatic cancer, regular follow-ups using imaging tests may be recommended to detect early lesions.
Similarly, some pancreatic cysts may require periodic monitoring, tailored to the nature of the lesions and their risk level, or surgical treatment aimed at preventing neoplastic progression.
ICAdig provides solutions for patients with bile duct and pancreatic diseases. Effective treatment of pancreatic conditions often requires coordinated care involving anesthesiologists, psychologists, and nutritionists.
Early intervention in digestive issues offers a range of significant benefits for overall health and well-being:
Addressing digestive issues early allows for the timely identification of conditions such as digestive cancers, inflammatory bowel diseases, and other disorders, increasing the chances of effective treatment and successful recovery.
Monitoring digestive conditions in their early stages can help prevent progression to more serious complications, reduce the risk of irreversible organ damage, and improve long-term quality of life.
Early intervention in digestive issues helps relieve uncomfortable and painful symptoms, improving the patient’s quality of life and enabling a healthier, more active daily routine.
Addressing issues early often allows for less invasive treatment options, such as medication therapies or endoscopic procedures, avoiding the need for more extensive surgical interventions.
By addressing digestive issues early, a comprehensive health approach is promoted, considering both physical and emotional aspects, and contributing to the patient’s overall well-being.
At ICAdig, we strive to be leaders in providing General Gastroenterology services that go beyond conventional treatment. We are happy to assist you, always alongside our digestive system specialists. At ICAdig, you can request a video consultation or an in-person appointment at one of our centers in Madrid, Spain.