Pancreaticobiliary Diseases Program

Gastroenterologists at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Health specialize in the complex disorders of the pancreas, organs and ducts that facilitate digestion. We are committed to superior outcomes from diagnosis to rehabilitation.

Proper digestion is essential to your wellbeing. When gastrointestinal (GI) issues arise, it is critical to see a primary care physician for evaluation. At the Underwood Center we take referrals for complex cases such as those that involve multiple areas simultaneously.

Specialists at the Pancreaticobiliary Diseases Program at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Health understand how to manage diseases that cause dysfunction in the pancreas and biliary system. Since these tend to cause chronic issues that impact health for years, our medical professionals find it gratifying to provide life-altering interventions. Our specialists work with you to ensure individualized care.

Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital one of the nation’s best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital. 

What the Pancreaticobiliary Diseases Program Offers Patients

• On-site treatments 
• Opportunities to enroll in the latest research studies
• Patient education
• Quick evaluation and access to skilled patient navigators
• Recovery and rehabilitation assistance

Clinicians and scientists conduct research that advances discoveries of pioneering and personalized treatments. We have some of the nation’s most progressive studies and clinical trials for digestive disorders.

Our experts continuously evaluate patients through weekly GI tumor boards and conferences to ensure implementation of the most appropriate and productive treatment plans. We prioritize the primary patient-physician relationship.

Pancreaticobiliary Conditions We Treat

• Acute (sudden and fast) and chronic (based on certain permanent damages to the organ) pancreatitis
• Benign bile duct strictures – non-cancerous abnormal narrowing of the bile duct
• Bile leakage after gallstone surgery
• Cystic (fluid-filled growths) lesions (abnormal area of tissue) of the pancreas
• Gallstones – hardened deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder and bile ducts
• Pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer and other tumors (adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine neoplasm, cholangiocarcinoma, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms) – cancers that occur where the bile duct and pancreas meet
• Pancreatic pseudocysts – sacs of tissue and fluid that form on the pancreas
• Post-cholecystectomy syndrome – either a continuation of symptoms caused by gallbladder pathology or the development of new symptoms, such as fatty food intolerance, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, jaundice and intermittent episodes of abdominal pain
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis – inflammation and scarring of the liver’s bile ducts