Jacques Van Dam, MD, PhD, Guest Editor

Researchers who study benign and malignant pancreatic disease have not hit the homeruns noted above (international readers will please forgive my American baseball analogy in this paragraph). Nonetheless, there are other ways to score major advances against diseases of this particularly enigmatic organ. The following monograph details the base hits and even the doubles and triples that have led to major advances in recent years.

The pancreas is unique. It serves both exocrine and endocrine functions. Its anatomy and location deep within the body allow benign and malignant changes to go unrecognized by its host, often until late in the course of a disease. And yet, the pancreas is so fragile that endoscopists can sometimes create havoc by simply working in its vicinity.

After reading this monograph, clinicians will learn the most prognostic scoring systems for acute pancreatitis, review the basics for early management of the disease, and see how current practice guidelines have evolved. Advances in radiological imaging when applied to the pancreas have resulted in enhanced staging and improved selection for surgical intervention. Endoscopy of the pancreas via both ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound has led to unprecedented access and potential for nonoperative intervention. Surgical advances have provided the most significant breakthroughs. Pancreatic surgery now takes advantage of both minimally invasive (laparoscopic) approaches and techniques learned from organ transplantation. And noteworthy advances in medical and radiation oncology are extending life expectancy for patients with the most advanced malignant disease while limiting treatment toxicity.

I am indebted to the multidisciplinary team of authors, luminaries in their respective fields, who have graciously given their time and considerable expertise to this monograph. They represent gastroenterologists, endoscopists, radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists who have advanced the field and together have created a well-written, well-documented, and well-referenced manual for treating patients with benign and malignant diseases of the pancreas. I also wish to thank Kerry Holland for the opportunity to organize and edit this monograph and Lesley Simon for her outstanding editorial skills. Their support and guidance were essential to its success.