Treatment for Acute Pancreatitis

A person is likely to be hospitalized for treating acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis treatment includes intravenous (IV) fluids, pain relief medications and antibiotics. In case of vomiting, a tube may have to be introduced into the stomach through the nose to remove air and fluid. In severe cases of acute pancreatitis, a person may need to be fed a special liquid through a tube in the nose going directly to the stomach until the pancreas heals.

After discharge from the hospital, the person is likely to be advised to quit smoking, quit drinking alcohol and avoid fatty foods.

Treatment for Chronic Pancreatitis

For chronic pancreatitis, a patient may be hospitalized for several weeks and may have to be fed a special liquid through the nose directly into the stomach for the entire duration. IV fluids, antibiotics and pain relief medication are also likely to be used in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

After discharge from the hospital, the person is likely to be advised to go on a low fat nutritious diet and eat small meals several times a day. Drinking a lot of fluids and restricting intake of caffeinated drinks is likely to be recommended.

Synthetic pancreatic enzymes are likely to be prescribed if the pancreas is unable to create and produce sufficient quantities of its enzymes. This is likely to help reverse weight loss by helping in digesting food.

ERCP for Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique by which the pancreas, bile ducts and the gallbladder can be viewed and complications arising out of acute and chronic pancreatitis can be treated.

The following procedures can be performed using ERCP for treating acute or chronic pancreatitis:
•    Sphincterotomy
•    Gallstone removal
•    Stent placement, and
•    Balloon dilatation

People who undergo therapeutic ERCP for acute or chronic pancreatitis may be at a slight risk for complications, which may include severe pancreatitis, infection, bleeding or bowel perforation.