Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
Bloodstream infections after surgery for severe acute pancreatitis
J De Waele1, S Blot, F Colardyn
1Intensive Care Unit, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium. jan.dewaele@UGent.be
Objective:
To analyze the incidence and outcome of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in patients operated on for severe acute pancreatitis to identify the source and associated risk factors.
Methods:
We retrospectively (1995-2001) analyzed 45 patients treated surgically for severe acute pancreatitis. We recorded demographic characteristics, data on surgical and medical treatment and disease severity, the occurrence of BSIs, microbiological data concerning the BSIs and other infectious processes, the incidence of organ failure, and data on surgical and infectious complications.
Results:
Fifteen episodes of BSI were found in 7 of 45 patients (15%), with 18 organisms involved. In all but 1 episode, the source of the BSI was pancreatic necrosis. Most of the organisms were gram positive (11); the others were gram negative (6) or fungi (1). Mortality was statistically not different in patients with a BSI (57% vs. 35%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay was associated with the occurrence of BSIs (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.09; P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
A BSI is not a rare finding after surgery for severe acute pancreatitis, especially in patients with a prolonged ICU stay. The source is the infected necrosis in most of BSI episodes.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
