Inflammatory diseases of the pancreas.

The first attack of acute pancreatitis is best treated medically, by fasting and general supportive measures unless complications ensue or the patient does not get better. There is no specific therapy for this disease at the present time (while trypsin inhibitors have not proved to be effective, there is some question as to whenter the newer version will be valuable). Since, at least in private hospitals, the majority of patients with acute pancreatitis have gallstones, surgery in these individuals is directed primarily toward removal of the gallbladder and/or common bile duct stones, or to the drainage of cysts. Most acute cysts are small and can be treated medically. Otherwise they shouldbe drained 8-10 weeks later into the adjacent stomach...