The protective effect of a reduction in intestinal flora on mortality of acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis in the rat.

Both colectomy and intestinal lavage combined with kanamycin instillation proved effective in reducing mortality from sodium taurocholate-induced acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis (AHP) in the rat, supporting the concept that the intestinal flora must be considered a major factor influencing mortality in AHP in the rat. The results of this study are consistent with the clinical observation that abdominal sepsis is the most frequent cause of death in severe acute pancreatitis. The conclusions of the study advocate clinical trials in which besides established symptomatic treatment, intestinal decontamination is the main goal of therapy in severe acute pancreatitis.