Pancréatite aiguë

Acute pancreatitis is rare but can lead to death due to superinfection of the pancreatic necrosis. It is an early activation of pancreatic enzymes with variable consequences: transient inflammation of the only pancreatic gland to injury of surrounding organs. Treatment of acute pancreatitis combines resuscitation with symptomatic management, based on the severity of the pancreatitis, and etiologic treatment to avoid recurrence. The infection of the necrosis needs to be proved by fine needle aspiration. If the infection is confirmed, the first step treatment is percutaneous drainage. In case of failure, a surgical drainage can be necessary, if possible through a retroperitoneal approach using the percutaneous drain as a guide. Exceptionally, an endoscopic drainage can also be possible in case of well-collected abscess near the posterior wall of the stomach.