Diagnosis of Pancreatic Disease
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s multidisciplinary team at the Pancreatic Diseases Program offers patients a wide range of diagnostic techniques and treatments to suit their specific needs. Following an initial consultation, the patient and doctor will discuss treatment options together.
The testing methods used to diagnose patients will depend on their symptoms, but could include a range of blood tests or imaging studies. Other tests include:
- Pancreatic function test: A blood test that measures the degree of inflammation of the pancreas. In addition, a stool test can be ordered to measure the digestive function of the pancreas
- Fasting glucose: A blood test that determines the amount of glucose in the blood to detect either prediabetes or diabetes.
- Ultrasound: An imaging test that uses sound waves to produce images of the internal organs.
- CT scan: An imaging test used to diagnose cancer and pancreatitis.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A test that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy techniques. During the procedure, a thin tube with a camera attached to the end is inserted through the mouth, past the stomach, and into the duodenum. A dye is then released into this area (pancreatic duct or the biliary duct) to make it possible to visually identify affected areas.
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with ultrasound (EUS): A test that involves inserting a thin tube with an ultrasound probe attached to the end through the mouth and down into the stomach. This device produces ultrasound images of the organs of the biliary and pancreatic system.
Treatment of Pancreatic Disease
Following examination, testing, and discussion with the physician, each patient will be prescribed a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific diagnosis. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi make every effort to treat patients conservatively in order to avoid surgery, when possible.