Gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis

J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci. 2010 Jan;17(1):60-9. doi: 10.1007/s00534-009-0217-0. Epub 2009 Dec 11.

Abstract

In the care of acute pancreatitis, a prompt search for the etiologic condition of the disease should be conducted. A differentiation of gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis should be given top priority in its etiologic diagnosis because it is related to the decision of treatment policy. Examinations necessary for diagnosing gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis include blood tests and ultrasonography. Early ERCP/ES should be performed in patients with gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis if a complication of cholangitis and a prolonged passage disorder of the biliary tract are suspected. The treatment for bile duct stones with the use of ERCP/ES alone is not recommended in cases of gallstone-induced pancreatitis with gallbladder stones. Cholecystectomy for gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis should be performed using a laparoscopic procedure as the first option as soon as the disease has subsided.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Gallstones / complications*
  • Gallstones / diagnosis
  • Gallstones / physiopathology
  • Gallstones / surgery
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis / etiology*
  • Pancreatitis / physiopathology
  • Pancreatitis / surgery
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic
  • Treatment Outcome