Pancreatitis Care at University of Colorado Hospital
Why Choose Treatment for Pancreatitis at University of Colorado Hospital?
University of Colorado Hospital has experienced doctors who provide excellent care for patients with pancreatic diseases. Our doctors have extensive training in advanced endoscopy (procedures that allow your doctor to look inside your body using tubes with cameras). These experts perform a large number of endoscopic procedures each year, ensuring the best possible patient care.
University of Colorado Hospital has an 11-state referral base, which includes the Rocky Mountain region and beyond, to investigate and treat the most complex disorders of the pancreas.
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach. The pancreas helps to digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates in food by releasing enzymes into the small intestine. The enzymes travel through the pancreatic duct, which is a small tube. Pancreatitis causes the enzymes to become active inside the pancreas. These enzymes start to break the pancreas down.
Acute (short term) pancreatitis affects about 80,000 people each year. Gallstones or heavy alcohol use are the most common causes. There are numerous other causes that include, but are not limited to:
- Metabolic diseases (such as diabetes)
- Medications
- Heredity
Pancreatitis Research
University of Colorado Hospital is performing endoscopy-related research in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases. Research areas include:
- Detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis
- Changes in pancreas anatomy
- Minimally invasive therapies using endoscopic ultrasound to help bypass blockages in the ducts of the pancreas