The history of chronic pancreatitis research -- Definition and classification of chronic pancreatitis -- The epidemiology of chronic pancreatitis -- The etiology of chronic pancreatitis -- The histopathology of chronic pancreatitis -- The pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis -- The genetics of chronic pancreatitis -- Interventional/endoscopic management -- Surgical treatment -- Special types of chronic pancreatitis -- Chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer -- The future developments of chronic pancreatitis research -- Case presentations.

This book is a concise guide to the clinical diagnosis and management of chronic pancreatitis, presenting the latest research into the disease. It focuses on pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis, endoscopic and surgical treatment, and prognosis. It also offers comprehensive descriptions of 4 diagnostic methods and discusses the contemporary management of chronic pancreatitis, including conservative, ESWL, interventional and surgical treatments. The final chapter includes 6 typical case presentations, which taken together provide a standard description of this condition.