The intensive care of acute pancreatitis

The results of medical and surgical treatment of 115 cases of acute pancreatitis treated in the surgical intensive care unit over a period of 8 years are reviewed. The death rate from acute pancreatitis fell during the period of study in the intensive care unit from 42.6% between 1969 and 1973, when drainage was used, to 22.9% between 1974 and 1976 when resection was performed, and in hospital from 8.2% to 5.8% respectively. The results improved as a consequence of adequate treatment of shock, complete intravenous feeding, accurate timing of surgery and the successful choice of operative procedures.