World-renowned experts and opinion-makers comprehensively review the clinical challenges of managing acute and chronic pancreatitis and explain the basic science that underlies these management strategies. The authors provide up-to-date discussions of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnostic strategies, treatment, and complications of the diseases.

Clinical Pancreatology Since the book Clinical Pancreatology for Practising Gastroenterologists and Surgeons was first published sixteen years ago, the knowledge and clinical management of pancreatic diseases have developed markedly. Thanks to the development of the translational research and the from bench to bedside concept, much progress from the lab has been applied to clinical practice. In addition, several highly relevant clinical trials published over the last years have resulted in the update and optimisation of clinical guidelines. A new and validated classification of severity and complications of acute pancreatitis is firmly rooted in clinical practice and has been the basis for the development of minimally invasive approaches to pancreatic necrosis. The etiopathogenic knowledge of chronic pancreatitis and other pancreatopaties, like that associated with diabetes mellitus, has developed significantly. Especially important has been the development of the field of cystic pancreatic tumours, which has been reflected in the publication of several guidelines and consensus reports over the last few years. Most research efforts have focused on pancreatic cancer, which have led and will further lead to a significant increase in the therapeutic armamentarium against this devastating disease. Finally, many newly published studies have changed the concept, causes, clinical relevance, diagnosis and treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This new edition of Clinical Pancreatology for Practising Gastroenterologists and Surgeons has enjoyed the collaboration of the world’s leading experts in each of the areas of clinical pancreatology with the aim of facilitating gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists, internists, nutritionists, diabetologists, paediatricians, radiologists, pathologists and other specialists in their decision making when facing patients with pancreatic diseases in their daily clinical practice. All in all, this book supplies an indispensable update of the relevant aspects of clinical pancreatology.

This book provides an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and surgical management of the diseases of the pancreas and biliary tree, highlighting the most recent findings. The chapters are designed to accompany the reader on a step-by-step approach to the patient, providing the latest evidence to justify each recommendation. Wherever feasible and indicated, emphasis is placed on the use of tables and algorithms to simplify decision-making. The information contained in this well-referenced book is thus relevant not only to practicing pancreatobiliary and general surgeons, but also offers valuable guidance for surgical trainees. This book covers 14 diseases of the pancreas and biliary tree, from the more common gallstones and common bile duct stones, acute and chronic pancreatitis, to more complex benign conditions such as biliary fistulae and strictures, as well as cystic tumors of the pancreas, and finally the major malignancies include gallbladder cancer, pancreatic cancer and hilar cholangiocarcinoma. .

ix Preface Smart surgeons learn from their own mistakes, smarter surgeons learn from mistakes of others, some never learn . . . You are a resident, overworked and constantly tired; sitting down with your mentor for a brief tutorial. What do you want to get out of these few minutes? To organize your thoughts and approaches to the particular problem; to learn how he -the weathered surgeon -"tackles it"; to grasp a few practical "recipes" or "goodies" and take home a message or two; to laugh a bit and unwind. This is also our goal in this book. We hope that you are not repelled or offended by the non-formal character of this book. This is how emergency abdominal surgery is taught best, by trial and error and repetitions, with emphasis on basics. This is not a "complete" textbook, nor is it a cookbook type manual or discussion of case studies; neither is it a collection of detailed lecture notes or exhaustive lists. Instead, it consists of a series of informal, uncensored, chats between experienced surgeons and their trainees. No percentages, series, elaborated figures or complicated algorithms are included; only a surgeon's narrative, explaining how "he does it" -based on his experience and state of the art knowledge of the literature. No references are included as it was our aim to put down nothing which has not been experienced, confirmed and practiced in our own hands.

This open access book deals with imaging of the abdomen and pelvis, an area that has seen considerable advances over the past several years, driven by clinical as well as technological developments. The respective chapters, written by internationally respected experts in their fields, focus on imaging diagnosis and interventional therapies in abdominal and pelvic disease; they cover all relevant imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. As such, the book offers a comprehensive review of the state of the art in imaging of the abdomen and pelvis. It will be of interest to general radiologists, radiology residents, interventional radiologists, and clinicians from other specialties who want to update their knowledge in this area.

The critical care unit manages patients with a vast range of disease and injuries affecting every organ system. The unit can initially be a daunting environment, with complex monitoring equipment producing large volumes of clinical data. Core Topics in Critical Care Medicine is a practical, comprehensive, introductory-level text for any clinician in their first few months in the critical care unit. It guides clinicians in both the initial assessment and the clinical management of all CCU patients, demystifying the critical care unit and providing key knowledge in a concise and accessible manner. The full spectrum of disorders likely to be encountered in critical care are discussed, with additional chapters on transfer and admission, imaging in the CCU, structure and organisation of the unit, and ethical and legal issues. Written by Critical Care experts, Core Topics in Critical Care Medicine provides comprehensive, concise and easily accessible information for all trainees.