Pancreatic & Biliary Disorders — Patient Information

A clear guide for Valley Gastroenterology patients.

The basics

The pancreas makes digestive enzymes and hormones (like insulin). The biliary system includes the gallbladder and bile ducts that drain the liver. Problems in these organs can cause pain, jaundice (yellowing), nausea, and abnormal labs.

Common conditions we evaluate & treat

  • Gallstones & biliary colic: cramping right‑upper‑abdominal pain, often after fatty meals
  • Choledocholithiasis: gallstones in the common bile duct causing jaundice and abnormal liver tests
  • Cholangitis: bile‑duct infection—fever, jaundice, abdominal pain (urgent)
  • Acute pancreatitis: sudden pancreas inflammation (gallstones, alcohol, high triglycerides, meds)
  • Chronic pancreatitis: long‑term damage with pain, poor digestion, weight loss
  • Biliary strictures: narrowing from scarring, inflammation, or tumors
  • Pancreatic cysts/masses: often found on imaging; some need surveillance or biopsy

Symptoms — when to call

  • Right‑upper‑quadrant or upper‑middle abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting
  • Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, generalized itch
  • Fever/chills with abdominal pain (possible cholangitis)
  • Severe, constant upper‑abdominal pain radiating to the back (possible pancreatitis)
  • Unexplained weight loss, new‑onset diabetes, or persistent loss of appetite

Go to the ER for high fever, confusion, severe/worsening pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration.

How we evaluate

  • Exam & labs: liver tests, bilirubin, lipase, CBC, metabolic panel
  • Ultrasound for gallbladder stones and bile‑duct dilation
  • CT or MRI/MRCP to map the pancreas and bile ducts
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): high‑detail imaging; can perform needle biopsy (FNA/FNB) and cyst evaluation
  • ERCP: endoscopic treatment of duct problems (remove stones, place stents, take brushings)

Your plan may include one or more tests depending on symptoms and findings.

Treatment options (personalized)

  • Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy): for symptomatic gallstones or gallstone pancreatitis (surgical referral)
  • ERCP therapies: stone extraction, sphincterotomy, stent placement, dilation of strictures
  • Antibiotics & drainage for cholangitis or infected collections (often with ERCP or interventional radiology)
  • Pancreatitis care: IV fluids, pain control, bowel rest or low‑fat diet; treat the cause (stones, alcohol, triglycerides, meds)
  • Chronic pancreatitis: alcohol/tobacco cessation, pancreatic enzyme replacement, nutrition support, pain strategies; advanced endoscopic/surgical options if needed
  • Pancreatic/biliary cysts or masses: EUS‑guided biopsy, risk stratification, surveillance plan, or referral to surgery/oncology as appropriate

At‑home & prevention tips

  • Limit or avoid alcohol; stop tobacco
  • Maintain a healthy weight; manage diabetes and triglycerides
  • During recovery from pancreatitis or biliary colic: choose low‑fat meals, small portions, and hydrate
  • Take medications exactly as prescribed (e.g., enzymes with meals/snacks for chronic pancreatitis)

Follow‑up & long‑term care

We’ll review your results, confirm the diagnosis, and build a stepwise plan. Some conditions require periodic imaging(e.g., cyst surveillance) or stent exchanges after ERCP. Keep all follow‑ups so we can prevent complications.

Alaska‑specific note

We coordinate local labs, imaging, and urgent ERCP/EUS scheduling with regional partners. Weather or road issues? We’ll reschedule without penalty and prioritize your next slot; telehealth is available for appropriate visits.

Valley Gastroenterology

3190 E Meridian Park Loop, Suite 206

Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Phone: (907) 373-2544

Fax: (844) 689-4240

Web: ValleyGastroAK.com