Edward Copeland, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Flowood
Conditions and procedures
What pancreatic and related procedures includes
What are pancreatic and related procedures?
The pancreas is a large, tadpole-shaped gland that sits deep in the abdomen. It plays an important role in digestion and in regulating blood sugar. Because of where it sits, pancreatic disease can be difficult to diagnose.
Our surgeons work alongside your other physicians to evaluate findings in the pancreas, bile ducts, and liver. Not every condition listed here is treated with surgery.
Each procedure below is one our surgeons perform. Whether any of them is right for you is a decision you make with your surgeon.
Malignant Pancreatic Neoplasms
Cancerous growths in the pancreas. Care is planned with your oncology team, and surgery is only one possible part of treatment.
Benign Pancreatic Neoplasms
Non-cancerous growths or cysts in the pancreas. Some are watched over time rather than removed.
Bile Duct Obstruction
A blockage in the ducts that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine, which can cause jaundice and pain.
Liver Biopsy
A small sample of liver tissue is taken so it can be examined, usually to identify the cause of abnormal liver tests or an imaging finding.
Common reasons patients are referred
- A mass or cyst in the pancreas found on imaging
- Jaundice or laboratory results that suggest a blocked bile duct
- Abnormal liver tests or a liver lesion needing a biopsy
- An oncologist or gastroenterologist has requested surgical evaluation
When professional evaluation may be appropriate
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, or dark urine with pale stools
- Persistent pain in the upper abdomen or the middle of the back
- Unexplained weight loss, or new diabetes with abdominal symptoms
- Imaging has found a pancreatic or liver abnormality
If your symptoms feel urgent
Severe or sudden pain, a high fever, bleeding that will not stop, chest pain, or trouble breathing needs immediate attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room rather than waiting for an appointment or using a website form.
About this information
The information on this website is general education about conditions our surgeons treat. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it cannot tell you whether you need surgery. Please speak with your physician about your own care.
Your care team
Surgeons providing pancreatic and related procedures
Open a profile to read about each surgeon's training, experience, and clinic locations.
Erin R. Cummins, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Yazoo City
Logan D. Fair, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Vicksburg
Gina E. Heath, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Carthage
Drew Mallette, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson
Nathan Maples, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson
Jason G. Murphy, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson
Sara B. Parker, MD
Board-Eligible General Surgeon
- Board status
- Board eligible with the American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson
James R. Rooks, MD, FACS
Board-Certified General Surgeon
- Board status
- General Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- Clinic locations
- Jackson · Forest
Have questions about this service?
Our staff can explain what a consultation involves, whether a referral is needed, and which location is most convenient for you.