Penn Medicine has been designated as a Center of Academic and Clinical Excellence for Pancreatitis by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF). NPF Centers of Excellence are awarded after a rigorous review to determine that the institution meets stringent criteria for patient care and advancing research.
We offer high-quality, multidisciplinary care for patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as rare pancreatic conditions such as hereditary and autoimmune pancreatitis.
As a Center of Excellence, Penn Medicine takes a collaborative approach, bringing together an experienced team that includes gastroenterologists, pancreatic surgeons, and interventional radiologists, along with experts in pain management, nutrition, psychosocial support, and more. Our innovative program treats the whole patient, with a focus on the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.
Conditions We Treat
- Acute pancreatitis: sudden, painful inflammation of the pancreas
- Necrotizing pancreatitis: a complication of acute pancreatitis from lack of blood flow to the pancreas
- Chronic pancreatitis: persistent inflammation of the pancreas resulting in irreversible damage
- Autoimmune pancreatitis: an attack of the pancreas by the immune system
- Hereditary pancreatitis: pancreatitis associated with genetic mutations
- Idiopathic pancreatitis: pancreatitis of unknown origin
- Pancreatic pseudocyst: a fluid-filled sac that forms in the abdomen from pancreatitis and can cause symptoms
- Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: low levels of pancreatic enzymes, which can seriously impact digestion, metabolism and nutrition
- Pancreatic disorders associated with cystic fibrosis
- Pancreatic duct stones
Pancreatic Cyst Program
Penn Medicine’s renowned program for evaluation, treatment, and surveillance of pancreatic cysts is one of few in the country, managing more than 1,000 patients each year. Pancreatic cysts are often discovered when patients undergo imaging studies such as CT or MRI for unrelated reasons. The following patients will benefit from being seen in our clinic:
- Patients with newly diagnosed or suspected pancreatic cysts, including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), serous cystadenomas (SCAs), mucinous cystic neoplasms, or cysts in which the cause for the cyst is unknown
- Patients with a prior diagnosis of a pancreatic cyst who wish to get a second opinion or to become involved in ongoing investigational studies for pancreatic cysts
We offer personalized care and management from a leading team of experts, including surgeons, gastroenterologists, pathologists, cytopathologists, and radiologists. Our skilled care teams work with advanced diagnostics and participate in ongoing clinical research, giving you access to the latest, most promising advances in care.
Total Pancreatectomy with Auto Islet Cell Transplantation (TPIAT)
In collaboration with the Penn Transplant Institute, the Pancreatic Cyst Program is critical arm of the TPIAT team. Total Pancreatectomy with Auto Islet Cell Transplantation (TPIAT) is an advanced surgical procedure for patients with chronic pancreatitis (in some cases severe recurrent acute pancreatitis) for whom other medical and surgical options were unsuccessful.
Penn Medicine surgeons have performed hundreds of these highly-specialized procedures and our nurse care coordinator has spent decades caring for the specific needs of TPIAT patients.
Pancreatic Disease Care: Why Choose Penn Medicine?
As a Pancreatic Disease Center of Excellence, Penn Medicine leads a multidisciplinary team of specialists who collaborate to provide patients with the highest quality, evidence-based care.
We treat the full spectrum of pancreatic diseases, from benign to cancerous, including the management of complex pancreatic disease and interdisciplinary care for patients with chronic conditions.
We utilize advanced interventional and endoscopic technology for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Penn Medicine is a high-volume center for pancreatic surgery, including complicated cases, with outcomes that are among the best in the nation.
Request an Appointment
To make an appointment, please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.