Sushanth Reddy, M.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Surgery’s Division of Surgical Oncology and head of surgery for the UAB Pancreaticobiliary Disease Center, recently joined UAB MedCast to discuss the multidisciplinary management of chronic pancreatitis.
Reddy was joined alongside colleagues Andrew Gunn, M.D., associate professor of Interventional Radiology, and Ali Ahmed, M.D., assistant professor of Gastroenterology and Interventional Gastroenterology.
The episode highlights how their unified protocol at UAB helps avoid surgical drainage in most cases, improving both outcomes and quality of life for patients. By integrating the expertise of pancreatic surgery, interventional radiology, and interventional gastroenterology, the team navigates complex decisions regarding acute versus chronic pancreatitis, pseudocyst management, and evolving strategies for pain control and follow-up care.
“This is a disease that requires a true team approach,” Reddy said. “Our ability to coordinate across specialties means we can select the safest, most effective drainage strategy or avoid drainage entirely.”
In addition to discussing clinical criteria for drainage and the procedural logistics of endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical approaches, the conversation emphasized the importance of surveillance, nutrition management, and patient education in chronic disease settings. The UAB Pancreaticobiliary Disease Center’s standardized pancreatitis protocol has streamlined care, reduced fragmentation, and shortened hospital stays by ensuring patients are evaluated comprehensively through joint efforts across disciplines.