Pancreas

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when pancreatic enzyme secretions build up and begin to digest the organ itself. It can occur as acute, painful attacks that are temporary, or may be a chronic condition developing over a period of years. Chronic pancreatitis occurs most often in individuals who have experienced pancreatic damage from earlier episodes of acute pancreatitis and is frequently caused by long-term alcohol use

John Chabot, MD of the Pancreas Center and surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, discusses when surgery is appropriate for patients with pancreatic cancer as well as the advances made in pancreatic surgical options.