When your child is in pain, it can be heartbreaking. They may end up in the Emergency Department or hospital because of severe belly pain from pancreatitis.
The Pancreatic Disorders Center at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh often sees children after urgent treatment for a pancreatitis attack. We also see kids with chronic pancreatitis who have struggled to find care that helps them.
Call 412-692-5180 to make your child's appointment or learn more about us.
What Can I Expect at My Child's Pancreatitis Consult?
We want to make your child's first visit with us as helpful as possible.
During your initial consult, you'll meet with Madhura Phadke, MD. She's the director of the Pancreatic Disorders Center at UPMC Children's Hospital.
Dr. Phadke will meet with your child to learn more about their pancreatitis.
What happens during this first visit depends on your child's type of pancreatitis and how they feel.
To confirm the type of pancreatitis your child has, Dr. Phadke will:
- Go over your child's medical history.
- Do a complete physical exam.
- Order any testing they still need.
- Come up with a treatment plan for your child.
- Discuss and schedule the next steps.
Your first visit will take about 1 hour. Depending on what diagnostic tests and exams your child has already had, it may take more or less time.
What Happens If My Child Needs Surgery for Their Pancreatitis?
For some children with chronic pancreatitis, their first visit with us is to discuss surgery.
During this pre-surgical consult, you'll meet with our team of experts that may include a:
- Surgeon.
- Endocrinologist.
- Pain doctor.
- Nutritionist.
- Genetic counselor.
- Social worker.
- Psychologist.
Pre-surgical visits take longer than a routine consult. Plan on spending a full day at the Pancreatic Disorders Center.
We want to make sure you know what your child's surgery entails. We'll also let you know how to prepare for it and what to expect after.
Make an Appointment at the Pancreatic Disorders Center
You don't need a doctor's referral to our center.
If you have a managed care insurance plan, like an HMO, check with them before making your child's appointment. They may need you to fill out paperwork or get a referral from your child's PCP.
Before your child's first visit, please send us any:
- Medical records.
- Imaging scans.
- Biopsy slides.
Contact the Pancreatic Disorders Center
The Pancreatic Center at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is here for your family.
Your child doesn't need a doctor's referral to come to us for care.
Call us at 412-692-5180 to learn more.
Our address:
UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
4401 Penn Ave., Floor 3
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
