Pancreas and Bile Duct Disease: Treatments and Causes

The pancreas and bile ducts are part of the digestive system and play an important role in helping the body break down foods. Digestion can be hindered and complications can occur when a disease affects the pancreas or bile ducts. The highly skilled and experienced providers at Summit Digestive & Liver Disease Specialists in Chicago, IL, and Oakbrook Terrace, IL, treat pancreas and bile duct diseases.

Diseases and Disorders

The pancreas serves important functions in both the digestive and endocrine systems. It is responsible for releasing enzymes that aid the body in breaking down the fats, sugars, and starches in foods. The pancreas also helps regulate blood sugar by secreting certain hormones. The bile ducts carry bile fluid from the liver to the gallbladder, where it is stored and later carried to the small intestine. Once in the small intestine, the bile fluid helps break down the fats in foods.

Many different types of diseases or disorders can affect the pancreas and bile ducts. For instance, the bile ducts can become blocked by gallstones. Blockages in the bile ducts can interfere with digestion, resulting in jaundice and leading to infection. An infection could potentially become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Examples of diseases and disorders of the pancreas and bile ducts include:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Gallstones
  • Cholecystitis
  • Cholangitis

Causes of Pancreas and Bile Duct Diseases

Gallstones are one cause of many pancreas and bile duct diseases. Gallstones develop in the gallbladder when bile hardens and forms a solid mass. The bile ducts, as well as the pancreatic duct, can become blocked when these stone-like objects move out of the gallbladder. Gallstones can also lead to inflammation of the bile ducts, resulting in a condition known as cholangitis. Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to acute pancreatitis.

Other factors that could lead to the development of pancreas or bile duct diseases include injury or trauma to the abdomen, infection, and alcoholism. Obesity also increases the risk of developing a disease or disorder of the pancreas or bile ducts. Being a smoker increases the risk, as well.

Treatments for Pancreas and Bile Duct Diseases

Treatment for pancreas and bile duct diseases in Chicago, IL, and Oakbrook Terrace, IL,  is available at Summit Digestive & Liver Disease Specialists. The best course of treatment depends on the specific issue affecting the pancreas or bile ducts, as well as other factors. For example, if gallstones are the cause of the problem, surgery might be needed to remove them. Our knowledgeable providers can develop an individualized treatment plan to help you regain your health.

We diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases and disorders affecting the pancreas and bile ducts. For the treatment of pancreas and bile duct diseases in Chicago, IL, and Oakbrook Terrace, IL, call Summit Digestive & Liver Disease Specialists at (630) 889-9889.