[Voluminous fatty necrosis in acute pancreatitis]

Extensive fat necrosis may be sometimes seen in patients suffering from acute pancreatitis even if pancreas itself is not seriously damaged. Infection of the necrotic areas of fat may produce serious intoxication and even death of the patient. If the infection occurs, evacuation of the necrosis should be carried out, even several times if necessary. In some cases fat necroses colliquate. The liquid may be reabsorbed or pseudocyst formation follows. In the cases of colliquation without infection a close observation of the patient is necessary to choose the time for surgery.