Chronic Pancreatitis

The incidence of chronic pancreatitis continues to increase in the Western world. Its pathophysiology is still controversial, but in recent years knowledge of its etiological aspects has increased and new pathophysiological concepts have been presented. There have been new developments in diagnosing the disease, especially through improvements in imaging techniques such as endosonography, CT and MRI and MRCP.

It is generally agreed that the primary approach to treatment of chronic pancreatitis should be conservative. The treatment of complications, however, is still a matter of debate between physicians, gastroenterologists and surgeons.

This book contains contributions by leading pancreatologists from around the world summarizing the latest developments in the fields of chronic pancreatitis:

• Etiology
  
• Pathophysiology
  
• Diagnostics
  
• Conservative, interventional and surgical treatment

Students, general practitioners and clinicians will all benefit from this presentation.