Is an inflammation of the pancreas and requires immediate medical attention.

It may be acute or chronic.

Salient features

•           Severe abdominal pain radiating to back, nausea and vomiting.

•           Abdomen is tender but to lesser degree than the pain itself.

•           80% of cases of pancreatitis are caused by alcohol and gall stones. Gall stones is single most common aetiology of acute pancreatitis, alcohol intake is single most common aetiology of chronic pancreatitis.

•           Blood amylase or lipase will be 4-6 times higher than normal.

•           Ultrasound/ CT shows an inflamed pancreas.

Management

1.    Mild acute pancreatitis

•           Mild cases are without complications. Patient is kept NPO till abdomen becomes soft, which usually takes up to 5 days.

•           Dehydration may occur, adequate rehydration is required intravenously

•           Pain killers are required.

•           Antibiotics may be required in moderate and severe cases.

2.     Severe acute pancreatitis

•           Severe acute pancreatitis is associated with organ failure, necrosis, pseudocyst of pancreas and abscess formation.

•           Patient needs ICU care in a tertiary care health centre.

•           Hypovolemia is generally present; oxygen inhalation and antibiotics are required.

•           Laparotomy, Pancreatic necrosectomy or surgery for pseudocyst may be required.