It is with much pleasure that I introduce this first volume in a series of Topics in Gastroenterology aimed at the intelligent clinician. Dr. Peter Banks is first and foremost a clinician and teacher and therefore an ideal lead-off author. His very helpful review of pancreatitis is based not only on a thorough assimilation of clinical and experimental evidence but also on his long clinical practice in university hospitals and in private practice. Dr. Banks understands what we clinicians need to know about the patho­ physiology of this challenging disorder. I found much practical informa­ tion in this volume to help me in thinking about my own patients, and I recommend it with enthusiasm. Howard M. Spiro, M.D. vii Preface In the preparation of this book, I have made a special effort to provide detailed clinical information on the care of the patient with pancreatitis. The usefulness of newer diagnostic tests such as amylase/creatinine clearance ratio, ERCP, diagnostic ultrasound, and C-T scan has been carefully evaluated. Particular attention has been devoted to the manage­ ment of the more difficult therapeutic problems such as severe protracted pancreatitis, pancreatitis of unknown etiology, pancreatic pseudocyst, and pancreatic insufficiency. Points of controversy regarding medical and surgical alternatives in the treatment of acute and chronic pancreatitis have been reviewed with specific recommendations for therapy. In all discussions, emphasis has been placed on basic physiological principles that govern treatment. A comprehensive and current bibliography accom­ panies each chapter.