Advances in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy

Pancreas and Biliary Tract

The pancreas and bile duct (biliary) systems together form an important part of the digestive system. The pancreas and liver produce juices (pancreatic juice and bile) which help in the process of digestion (i.e. the breakdown of foods into parts which can be absorbed easily and used by the body). Conditions affecting the pancreas and biliary tract can be life threatening and often difficult to diagnose. The finding of decreased gall bladder emptying at cholecystokinin-cholescintigraphy is the only objective characteristic of gall bladder dysfunction.

• Abdominal swelling


• Diarrhea, especially with fat droplets in the stools


• Gas, hiccups and belching


• Itchy skin


• Jaundice—a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes