What Is Pancreatic Cancer Surgery? Operative removal of pancreatic tumors, including distal pancreatectomy or total pancreatectomy, to manage localized pancreatic cancer. Why Do I Need It? Surgery is recommended if imaging shows: Tumor confined to the pancreatic body/tail (distal) or head (Whipple) No major vessel involvement or distant metastases How Should I Prepare? Pre-op Tests: [...]
What Is Gallbladder Cancer Surgery? Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) plus surrounding tissue to treat malignancy detected in or around the gallbladder. Why Do I Need It? You may be advised to have surgery if imaging or biopsy confirms gallbladder cancer, especially if: Cancer is confined to the gallbladder wall (T1 or T2 stage) [...]
What Is STER? An advanced endoscopic technique creating a submucosal tunnel to resect lesions in the esophagus or upper GI wall. Why Do I Need STER? Indicated for small submucosal tumors (leiomyoma, GIST) ≤3 cm in muscularis propria. How Should I Prepare? Fasting 8 hours. Consent for general anesthesia and advanced endoscopy. What Happens During [...]
What Is Periampullary Carcinoma? Tumor arising at the ampulla of Vater, where bile and pancreatic ducts meet the duodenum. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms include jaundice, pancreatitis, or weight loss. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MRI; MRCP if needed. Endoscopy: ERCP/EUS for biopsy and stent placement. What Happens During Treatment? Surgical: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple). Adjuvant: [...]
What Are GI Neuroendocrine Tumors? Slow-growing tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells in the GI tract or pancreas. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms may include flushing, diarrhea, or obstruction; often incidental on imaging. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MRI and somatostatin-receptor PET scans. Lab: Chromogranin A, 5-HIAA in urine. What Happens During Treatment? Localized: Surgical [...]
What Are Pancreatic Cysts? Fluid-filled lesions within the pancreas; can be benign or precancerous (IPMN, MCN). Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Indications include cyst size >3 cm, mural nodules, or ductal dilation. How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6–8 hours. Consent for EUS with FNA. What Happens During the Procedure? EUS-guided aspiration of cyst fluid. Fluid [...]
What Is Pancreatic Cancer? A malignancy of the pancreas often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment? Symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, or painless jaundice. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: CT/MRI pancreatic protocol; fasting 6 hours for CT. Laboratory: CA 19-9 tumor marker; liver/pancreatic enzymes. What Happens During Treatment? Resectable: Whipple [...]
What Is EUS? EUS combines endoscopy and ultrasound to image and biopsy pancreatic, biliary, and upper-GI lesions with high precision. Why Do I Need EUS? Pancreatic masses or cysts Biliary obstruction of unknown cause Submucosal GI lesions Lymph-node staging or biopsy How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6–8 hours. Review blood thinners. Consent for potential fine-needle [...]
What Is ERCP for CBD? Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography uses an endoscope and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat CBD stones, strictures, and leaks. Why Do I Need ERCP? Indications include: CBD stones, cholangitis Biliary strictures or leaks Stent placement or removal How Should I Prepare? Fasting 8 hours. Stop anticoagulants per protocol. What Happens During the [...]
What Are Gallstones? Solid deposits of cholesterol or pigment in the gallbladder. Why Do I Need Treatment? You may have biliary colic, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or cholangitis. How Should I Prepare? Imaging: Abdominal ultrasound; fasting not required. Lab Tests: LFTs, pancreatic enzymes if pancreatitis suspected. What Happens During Treatment? Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Standard removal of gallbladder. ERCP: [...]
