Management of acute pancreatitis: an experience at Mayo Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

This is a retrospective as well as prospective study of 46 patients with acute pancreaitis who were managed in North Surgical Unit of Mayo Hospital, Lahore. This study was carried out with special emphasis on need of surgical treatment and its outcome. No age group or sex was found immune to this disease. It was more common in 3rd to 4th decade of life and female sex. The commonest etiology is gall stones (54%) followed by alcohol (8%) and idiopathic (15%). Pain epigastrium is a constant symptom. Judicious use of serum amylase urinary amylase and ultrasonography can help in early diagnosis of the acute pancreatitis. Complications are best diagnosed on CT scan. Majority of patients were treated successfully by conservative measures (44%) but developed complications which carried high morbidity and mortality. Surgical treatment of associated gall stones has prevented recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis. Hence cholecystectomy for associated gall stones is recommended during same admission for mild to moderate pancretitis after resolution of symptoms.