title: Pancreatic necrosis and infection--an update on management.
abstract: The mortality rate for acute pancreatitis complicated by necrosis and infection has remained high in spite of progress made in supportive care. This is mostly related to development of multi-organ failure and overwhelming sepsis. Early diagnosis of necrosis and infection followed by correct management are essential for improving survival. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography with the adjunct of fine-needle aspiration is reliable in detecting necrosis and infection. Several surgical treatment modalities are discussed in the literature; however, the cornerstone for improved survival in patients with infected necrosis is adequate debridement and wide drainage. This can be achieved with any modality, provided that the patients are re-explored promptly if the septic status persists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Hillbrow Hospital, Johannesburg.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Egidio
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D006801:Humans; D009336:Necrosis / Q000601:surgery; D010179:Pancreas / Q000473:pathology*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000601:surgery*