Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is nowadays one of the most common diseases among gastroenterology disorders, being gallstones and alcohol the main etiologies. Diagnostic criteria and indications of different imaging techniques are well defined, so that abdominal ultrasound is useful for etiological diagnosis whereas computarized tomography is better for risk stratification and local complications assessment. Goal directed fludtherapy, early starting of oral feeding and pain management are the mainstay of early treatment in acute pancreatitis. Antibiotics are useful when infected necrosis or extra pancreatic infections are documented or suspected but no as prophylaxis in sterile necrotizing pancreatitis. Minimally invasive approaches have emerged in the last decade for walled off necrosis management, improving complication rates, quality of life and length of hospital stay when compared with open surgery. (C) 2022 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Acute pancreatitis is a common disease in gastroenterology, with gallstones and alcohol as the main causes. Diagnostic criteria and imaging techniques have been well defined, with ultrasound being useful for diagnosing the cause and computed tomography being better for assessing risk and complications. Fluid therapy, early oral feeding, and pain management are the mainstay of early treatment for acute pancreatitis. Antibiotics are useful when infected necrosis or extra pancreatic infections are present or suspected, but not for prophylaxis in sterile necrotizing pancreatitis. Minimally invasive approaches have emerged for managing walled off necrosis, improving complications rates, quality of life, and hospital stay compared to open surgery.