The current treatment for acute pancreatitis depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Mild cases of acute pancreatitis can generally be treated with oral medications, rest, and a clear liquid diet. More severe cases may require hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications.
If the pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, the treatment may involve endoscopic or surgical removal of the stones. In some cases, an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) procedure may be performed to remove the gallstones. If an infection is the cause of the pancreatitis, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged or infected tissue, or to drain fluid or pus from the pancreas. This procedure is known as a necrosectomy. Other surgical procedures that may be recommended include a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) or a distal pancreatectomy.
For severe pancreatitis, nutritional support may be necessary to prevent malnutrition. This may involve enteral nutrition, which is a liquid diet that is delivered directly to the stomach through a tube, or parenteral nutrition, which is a nutrient-rich solution that is delivered directly into the bloodstream.
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle modifications may also be recommended to reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis. These may include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a nutritious diet.