ACUTE-PANCREATITIS - MEDICAL-MANAGEMENT

The medical therapy of acute pancreatitis remains supportive. Trials of multiple agents to moderate the course of pancreatitis have not been successful. The ability to manage pancreatic infections has been improved markedly by the use of CT-directed aspiration. New treatments that hold promise include the use of empiric antibiotics in severe pancreatitis, the removal of impacted bile duct stones, and possibly, long-term peritoneal lavage.