Acute Pancreatitis
Sudden inflammation of the pancreas, usually caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse.
Recovery Timeline
- Mild Cases: Recovery usually takes 3 to 7 days with hospital care, IV fluids, and rest.
- Moderate to Severe Cases: May require 1 to 4 weeks or longer, especially if complications like infection, necrosis, or fluid collection occur.
- Post-Hospital Recovery: Full recovery and return to normal activity may take several weeks depending on severity and underlying cause.
Diet and Lifestyle
- Avoid alcohol completely
- Limit processed, fried, and high-fat foods
- Drink plenty of water
Diagnostic Tests
- Blood Tests
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopic Ultrasound
- Liver Function Tests
Treatment
Primarily medical management in the hospital (IV fluids, pain control, nutritional support).
- Surgical Intervention (for complications):
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: If gallstones are the cause, gallbladder removal is performed after the acute inflammation subsides to prevent recurrence.
- Necrosectomy: Surgical or minimally invasive removal of infected necrotic pancreatic tissue in severe cases.
- Drainage of Pseudocysts/Collections: For symptomatic fluid collections.
Surgical Options
- Gallbladder Removal
- ERCP
- Debridement Surgery: To remove infected or dead pancreatic tissue in severe cases.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
back pain
Nausea and vomiting
