Pancreatic abscess and its relation to biliary tract disease

Primary pancreatic abscesses are infrequently encountered. Diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment are often delayed because of the confusing clinical picture that this condition presents. The mortality rate is high, especially when there is an underlying disease of the biliary tract. Prompt external drainage is the specific treatment for pancreatic abscesses, but if an underlying disease of the biliary tract is present and is not surgically treated, pancreatitis and pancreatic abscess may recur, thus increasing morbidity and mortality. Six patients with pancreatic abscess preceded by pancreatitis secondary to biliary tract disease are presented. A short review of the relevant recent literature is included.