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Knowledge of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases has increased importantly over the last years. Together with improvement in imaging procedures such as CT scan and MRI, the development of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has made pancreatic biopsy for histological diagnosis of pancreatic diseases feasible. EUS-associated techniques, such as elastography and contrast enhancement, have also improved the diagnostic yield of EUS for pancreatic diseases. Pancreatic function tests have also further developed, and the endoscopic secretin pancreatic function test and the 13C-MTG breath test are now ready for research and clinical practice.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is a frequent but clearly underdiagnosed life-threatening condition, which is the consequence of different pancreatic as well as extrapancreatic diseases. Chronic pancreatitis, as one of the most relevant causes of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, is most likely underdiagnosed too, and the diagnosis of the disease at early stages is a clinical challenge. Recognition of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and its causes, and the appropriate therapeutic approach to this condition have a relevant clinical impact on prevention of complications and mortality.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved in recent years into a technique with a major clinical impact in the management of pancreatic diseases. EUS also provides guidance for fine-needle aspiration and biopsy, allowing for the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. In addition, several new diagnostic techniques associated with EUS have being developed over the last years, including EUS-guided elastography and contrast-enhanced EUS that are very useful for the differential diagnosis of solid lesions. These techniques are becoming essential in clinical routine. EUS-guided therapy is also increasing in terms of new indications, such as drainage procedures, tumour ablation, and injection techniques, such as celiac plexus neurolysis.

The Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, is a reference center for the diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic diseases, as well as for education and development in endoscopic ultrasound.

The Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, together with the International Center for Education and development in Gastroenterology is organizing Masterclass Programs on Pancreatic Diseases since 2005. These programs are being attended by Gastroenterologists, Surgeons and Dietitians of many different countries all around the world including Europe, America and Asia.

Prof. Domínguez-Muñoz is an internationally well-known expert in pancreatic function and pancreatic diseases. He has developed and optimized several pancreatic function tests, among them the 13C-mixed triglyceride breath test that is shown during the Masterclass. Dr. Iglesias-García is an internationally well-known expert in advanced endoscopic ultrasound as well as in pancreatic diseases. The group has published a large number of original articles and reviews on the topics being presented and discussed at the Masterclass program.

The Masterclass Program on Pancreatic Diseases and Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency is supported by: