Tests & Treatments for Pancreatitis at University of Colorado Hospital

Tests for Pancreatitis

Your doctor will do a physical examination and take your medical history, if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including:

  • Soreness and swelling in the abdomen
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Rapid pulse
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dehydration

Blood tests will show if you have abnormal levels of enzymes produced by the pancreas, an important sign of pancreatitis. You may also have abnormal levels of glucose, sodium and other substances in the blood.

Tests for pancreatitis also include:

Abdominal ultrasound – to look for gallstones, which can cause pancreatitis

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – This involves the insertion of a tube down the throat and into the stomach to look for gallstones or other masses and possible damage to the pancreas

Computerized tomography (CT) scans – to show damage to or inflammation of the pancreas

Stool samples – to measure levels of an enzyme produced by the pancreas

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – to look at the pancreatic duct

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – This involves the passage of a flexible tube with a light and camera on the end through the mouth to the opening of the pancreas and liver organs ("ducts"). Contrast dye is injected into the ducts to identify any blockages from stones or scar tissue.

Treatments for Pancreatitis

Treatments for acute pancreatitis include:

  • Intravenous fluids without having anything to eat or drink while the pancreas “rests”
  • Pain medications
  • ERCP to remove stones from the liver duct
  • Surgery to remove gallbladder stones

Technology for Treating Pancreatitis

Technologies used for treating pancreatitis at UCH provide a minimally invasive option. The hospital is investigating the use of miniature endoscopes that can be directly inserted into the pancreatic duct during ERCP. This may help to improve the images of the pancreas for diagnosis and therapy. Surgery is not required.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) produces excellent images of the pancreas. These images help detect early cancers and signs of chronic pancreatitis. Doctors also use EUS to perform nerve blocks that relieve stomach pain. The technique helps experts at UCH to understand the causes of acute pancreatitis and to manage the disease.