Liver and Pancreas Disorders

The liver has a wide range of functions, including detoxification and the production of bile to help with digestion. It also plays a large role in metabolism.

The pancreas serves two roles. As an endocrine gland, it produces several important hormones, including insulin and glucagon. As a digestive organ, it secretes pancreatic juice which contains digestive enzymes that assist in digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.

Disorders and conditions of the liver and pancreas include:

• Acute and chronic pancreatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Fatty liver disease (steatohepatitis)
• Liver failure
• Liver tumors
• Pancreatic cancer
• Hepatitis

Sign and symptoms of liver and pancreas disorders

Common symptoms of a liver or pancreatic disorder include:

• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Bloating
• Cholestasis. Bile flow is reduced or stopped.
• Clay-colored stool
• Dark urine
• Fever
• Flatulence
• Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity.
• Indigestion
• Jaundice. A yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Liver enlargement
• Liver failure
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Diagnosis of liver and pancreas disorders

Your doctor will first conduct a complete medical history and physical examination. Diagnostic tests will be then be used to assist in developing a treatment plan for your condition, and may include:

• Blood tests
• Secretin stimulation test. Secretin stimulates the pancreas to release a fluid that neutralizes stomach acid and aids in digestion. The secretin stimulation test measures the ability of the pancreas to respond to secretin.
• Stool test
• A computed tomography (CT) scan
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A tube is placed down the throat, into the stomach, then into the small intestine. Dye is injected and the ducts of the gallbladder can be seen on X-ray.
• Endsocopic ultrasound (EUS) a specialized ultrasound probe placed on an endoscope which is used to image the pancreas

Treatment of liver and pancreas disorders

Each disease or disorder will have its own treatment regimen. However, your gastroenterologist may recommend a change in diet and/or lifestyle as a first step:

• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Reduce fatty meals
• Reduce prescription/recreational drug use
• Reduce smoking

For conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, hospitalization may be included as part of your treatment plan. Once you resume a normal diet, you may need pancreatic enzymes to aid digestion.

Treatment for various pancreatic conditions may include ERCP, which may be used for the following procedures:

• Enlarge a blocked duct opening
• Remove pancreatic or bile duct stones
• Place a stent to keep a pancreatic or bile duct open
• Dilate or stretch a narrowed pancreatic or bile duct

If a cancer diagnosis is made – liver or pancreatic cancer – the patient will be referred to Summa Health Cancer Institute for treatment and collaboration with an oncologist.

Your doctor may recommend surgery as a treatment measure. If surgery is required, patients have access to the latest technology and surgical techniques, including minimally-invasive, robotic-assisted surgery, which allows surgeons to safely perform delicate and complex procedures.

Minimally invasive techniques provide benefits to patients, including: less post-operative pain, faster recovery times, less bleeding and less scarring. Your physician can explain all of the options available to treat your condition, including whether you’re a good candidate for minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a Summa physician to discuss treatment for your gastrointestinal condition, call 330.375.6149.