Operative treatment of severe acute pancreatitis

Summary BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of severe acute pancreatitis is still related to high mortality rates. By avoiding early surgical intervention patient survival may be significantly improved. METHODS: Review both of the literature as well as of own results has led to a conservative approach in severe acute pancreatitis at the surgical department of the Medical University Vienna. RESULTS: Delaying surgery up to the third week after onset of disease improves patient survival significantly. Moreover, surgical control of pancreatic necrosis can be achieved by a single operation. CONCLUSIONS: The conservative approach in severe acute pancreatitis is a promising therapeutic conception. Organ failure during the early phase of disease can be successfully managed by means of intensive care treatment.