Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders

Our specialists at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health are international leaders in pancreatic disease and biliary disorders. Our team includes gastroenterologists (digestive disease specialists) and surgeons who manage and treat complex, difficult cases. Patients come from all over the world to receive care from our experts.

The National Pancreas Foundation and Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation recognize our program as a Center of Excellence. We earned these distinctions by successfully treating a high volume of patients and providing exceptional outcomes.

We provide world-class care for any type of pancreatic disease or biliary disorder. Highlights of our program include:

• Advanced techniques: Endoscopy (procedures that guide a thin tube through your digestive tract) and surgery are important treatments for pancreatic and biliary tract conditions. Our center uses innovative techniques that aren’t available elsewhere. Our methods improve pancreatitis outcomes and pancreatic cancer survival rates, exceeding those of many other hospitals.

• Experience: Our gastroenterologists perform the highest number of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures in Washington state. Our outcomes exceed the national average. Our high volumes mean you receive care from world-class specialists.

• State-of-the-art minimally invasive surgery: Our hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeons are internationally recognized for advancing the field of pancreas and bile duct surgery. Ours use the most advanced robotic and minimally advanced techniques to improve outcomes and shorten the length of recovery.

• Multidisciplinary team: Pancreatic and biliary disorders often require a team of specialists. At our center, gastroenterologists, surgeons, hospitalists, interventional radiologists, clinical nurse specialists and dietitians work together to discuss the best ways to treat these conditions. Meet our team.

• National recognition: Virginia Mason Medical Center is the only hospital in Washington state to receive the National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence designation for pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. We provide consistent high-quality care, patient satisfaction and positive outcomes for pancreatic disease.

• Research: Many of our physicians are also leading researchers in pancreatic and biliary tract disorders. Through our clinical trials, you may be eligible for innovative therapies before they’re widely available. Learn more about digestive health research.

Our gastroenterologists and surgeons are highly experienced in treating even the most complex pancreatic diseases, including:

• Acute pancreatitis
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Cystic fibrosis 
• Intraductal papillary mucosal neoplasm (IPMN)
• Pancreatic cysts
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors 
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatic fistulae and strictures

Our specialists also deliver exceptional care for biliary tract diseases, including:

• Bile duct injuries
• Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
• Bile duct strictures
• Choledochal cysts
• Gallbladder cancer
• Gallstones and biliary stones
• Sclerosing cholangitis
• Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Contact us to schedule an appointment with a pancreatic and biliary disorders specialist.