Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a very severe disease which affects the pancreas, an organ located below the stomach. It can originate from a host of varying causes which can inflict excruciating pain on the victims, hampering quality of life to considerable levels. Treatment of the disease is in itself a major challenge. This book deals with advanced research about this disease and its diagnosis and treatment. It includes studies on amelioration of chronic pancreatitis in rats by bone marrow derived mesenchymal cells, pancreatic acinar and island neogenesis according to vascular and matrix dynamics of human and animal tissue, inflammation and pain in rats and gene therapy using HSV-Enkephalin to reduce fibrosis. The function of endoscopic ultrasound in identifying the modifications of chronic pancreatitis as well as the endoscopic treatment via duct drainage procedures or stone removal have also been discussed. This book also deals with surgical options for chronic pancreatitis along with detailed accounts on total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplant for definitive removal of the root cause of the pain with preservation of endocrine function. This book will prove to be a valued resource of knowledge for scientists and practitioners who are attempting to understand the mechanisms of pain in chronic pancreatitis and the treatment options available for patients affected by this disease. 3