[The treatment of acute pancreatitis in Austria: results of a questionnaire].

The treatment of acute pancreatitis as currently practised in Austria was evaluated by means of a questionnaire mailed to all medical and surgical departments in Austrian hospitals. Fasting, analgesics and parenteral fluid therapy are applied routinely and proteinase inhibitors are used in nearly all hospitals. The efficacy of placing the pancreas at rest by withdrawal of oral fluids, nasogastric suction or antacids is variably assessed. Pharmacological inhibition of pancreatic secretion is achieved mainly by anticholinergics, whilst less often glucagon is prescribed. Antibiotic prophylaxis is widely applied. The main indications for surgery are complications and pre-existing biliary tract disease. These results are compared with the literature.