Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is acute inflammation of pancreas (gallstone/alcohol/hypertriglyceridemia/other), presenting with epigastric pain radiating to back, nausea/vomiting, and elevated lipase/amylase. Treatment: aggressive IV crystalloid fluids; analgesics (opioids); early enteral feeding (mild); NPO if severe; treat cause (ERCP + sphincterotomy if biliary obstruction/cholangitis; insulin/plasmapheresis for hypertriglyceridemia; stop alcohol/drugs); ICU for severe (organ failure); antibiotics only for infected necrosis; surgery (necrosectomy) for infected necrosis/complications; monitor for pseudocyst/abscess; follow-up.

Common Symptoms

Epigastric pain radiating to back; nausea/vomiting; elevated lipase

Causes and Pathogenesis

Gallstone/alcohol/metabolic causes premature enzyme activation and autodigestion.

Treatment

IV fluids/analgesics; early enteral feeding; ERCP if biliary; surgery for necrosis

Preventive Measures

Limit alcohol; treat gallstones; control triglycerides.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastroenterology/Hepatobiliary-surgery/Emergency/Critical-care department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.