Acute pancreatitis

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Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Acute pancreatitis

Treatment is aimed at supportive measures such as fluid replacement by intravenous (IV) infusion, pain relief, and withholding food or fluid by mouth to restrict pancreatic activity that makes symptoms worse. Occasionally nasogastric suctioning may be required if there is persistent vomiting or severe pain or if a paralytic ileus develops.

Recurrent attacks may be prevented by treating the underlying condition.

In some cases, radiologic or endoscopic therapy is needed to remove gallstones, relieve obstructions or the pancreatic duct, or drain fluid collections in or around the pancreas. In the most severe cases, surgery is necessary to remove necrotic, infected pancreatic tissue.

While most cases resolve in a week, some cases develop into life-threatening illness. The death rate is high with hemorrhagic pancreatitis or necrotizing pancreatitis and complications such as liver, heart, or kidney impairment may occur. Recurrences are common.

• Low blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome)
• Ascites, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
• Cysts or abscesses in the pancreas

Call your provider if intense, constant abdominal pain is present, or if other symptoms suggestive of acute pancreatitis develop.

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