Center for Pediatric Pancreatic Disease
Our team of pediatric pancreatic specialists is uniquely trained to offer the latest evidence-based care for these complex conditions.
In many pediatric programs, care for conditions that affect the pancreas is delivered by pediatric hepatologists (liver specialists), who receive some training to diagnose and treat these conditions. However, our team specializes in pancreatic treatment for children. Our center is led by the Henry Ford Health Chair of Pediatrics, Uzma Shah, M.D., FAAP, FAASLD.
Pediatric Hepatobiliary Disease
Why choose Henry Ford Health for pediatric pancreatic treatment?
- Access: We see new patients promptly, especially when there is an urgent concern. Ask your child’s provider for a referral to Henry Ford Pediatric Gastroenterology to ensure seamless care.
- Expertise: Your child receives the most advanced pediatric pancreatic care available. Our specialized team includes pancreatic interventionalists (radiologists), pediatric gastroenterologists and hepatologists, registered dietitians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and social workers.
- Coordinated care: Our pediatric pancreatic disease team works with other Henry Ford Health specialists for complex issues. Our multidisciplinary care team includes experts from other pediatric specialties, adult specialties, surgical teams, and radiology, pharmacy, specialized laboratory and supportive services. We focus on providing a seamless care experience so you can focus on being there for your child.
- Convenience: We offer complete care at our Royal Oak clinic. You’ll find pediatric specialists, testing facilities and procedure rooms, so your family can receive more services under one roof. We are also expanding our pediatric gastroenterology services to additional clinics throughout the region, with our latest new clinic opening at Henry Ford Medical Center – Grosse Pointe. Inpatient admission services as well as endoscopic procedural services are available at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.
- Innovation: Our aim is to advance pediatric gastroenterology care through research. Clinical trials and other research studies help to define the next gold standard of pediatric care, and our team is at the forefront. We have a particular emphasis on gastrointestinal research, and pancreatic disease is one of our current focus areas. Your child may be able to participate in research and access the latest care methods through our science and learning.
Contact Us
Looking for a second opinion?
If you are receiving services from a community provider, we welcome the opportunity to take part in your child’s care. Offerings include second opinions to confirm a diagnosis or review treatment options. We see new patients promptly, especially when there is an urgent concern.
-
What Is Pancreatic Disease?
The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen, and it plays a vital role in digestion, releasing enzymes that travel through ducts to the intestine to help break down food. However, when these enzymes are activated too early, it can cause damage to the pancreas.
The pancreas is also key in controlling blood sugar, by secreting insulin and other hormones. When this production is disrupted or when the body develops insulin resistance, it can lead to related conditions such as diabetes.While some children may develop pancreatic disease due to genetic factors, these conditions can also be associated with nutritional issues and obesity.
-
What Types of Pediatric Pancreatic Conditions Do You Treat?
- Acute (sudden) and chronic (ongoing) pancreatitis, or inflammation
- Pancreatic tumors
- Pancreatic cysts
- Strictures (narrowing or blockage) of the pancreatic duct
-
What If My Child Needs a Procedure?When necessary, our pediatric pancreatic disease team performs diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures in children to diagnose and treat a multitude of conditions affecting the pancreas. This includes endoscopic ultrasound, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP—which combines a minimally invasive endoscopy procedure with X-rays, to better help visualize and treat the liver, pancreas and related ducts. Our department is committed to providing safe care for all patients.