Acute Pancreatitis, Critical Analysis, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies.

Abstract

With the objective of evaluating the diagnosis criteria and therapeutic options, with particular emphasis on surgical treatment, we retrospectively analysed the record of 14 patients of acute pancreatitis over the period of 21 months. We found that on age or sex is immune to this disease although it is more common in 3rd to 5th decade of life and female sex (64.3%). The commonest aetiology is gall stones (57.1%) followed by alcoholism and idiopathic (21.5%) each. There is diversity of symptoms but pain epigastrium is a constant symptom (100%). High index of suspicion and routine use of serum amylase in all cases of upper abdominal pain and ultrasonography is mandatory for early diagnosis which can alter the ultimate outcome. C. T scanning is best for diagnosing complications. The conservative treatment is successful in majority (64.3%) of patients. However, a good number of cases (35.7%) do develop complications which carries high morbidity (21.5%), judicial surgical intervention may alter this coursed. Surgical intervention for associated gall stones is very rewarding. Hence cholecystectomy for associated gallstones is recommended during same admission, after resolution of symptoms.