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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
Emergencies of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
Troy W Privette1, Matthew C Carlisle, James K Palma
1Emergency Medicine Residency, Department of Emergency Medicine, Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia, SC 29203, USA. priv@aol.com
Abstract:
Abdominal pain is a common presenting complaint in today's emergency department (ED). Disorders related to the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are responsible for many of these presentations. With the increasing prevalence of gallstones, as well as alcohol use and abuse, the numbers of cases are likely to increase. This article examines hepatic emergencies including alcoholic hepatitis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, the authors review the presentation, evaluation, and management of acute biliary tract disorders with some emphasis on bedside ultrasonography. Evaluation and treatment of pancreatitis and its complications in the ED are discussed.
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