OVERVIEW

What kind of disease is pancreatic abscess?

Pancreatic abscess is a relatively rare pancreatic infection, usually secondary to pancreatitis or pancreatic trauma, mostly caused by intestinal bacterial infection.

Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, etc.

Treatment includes conservative medical therapy, percutaneous drainage, and surgical intervention. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the specific situation.

Is pancreatic abscess common?

Pancreatic abscess has a low clinical incidence and is not common.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of pancreatic abscess?

It usually manifests as changes and exacerbation of the original symptoms and signs of acute pancreatitis, specifically including persistent tachycardia, rapid breathing, intestinal paralysis, aggravated abdominal pain accompanied by back pain, elevated peripheral white blood cell count, signs of systemic toxicity, progressively rising body temperature, and occasional gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite).

What diseases can pancreatic abscess cause?

• Uncontrolled infection may lead to sepsis;
• Abscess spreading to the intestines may cause intestinal fistula;
• May cause multiple intra-abdominal abscesses;
• Recurrence of pancreatitis.

CAUSES

What are the common causes of pancreatic abscess?

The common cause is necrotizing pancreatitis, or focal necrosis and liquefaction of peripancreatic fat followed by secondary infection, eventually forming an abscess.

Is pancreatic abscess hereditary?

Pancreatic abscess is not strongly related to heredity but is closely associated with pancreatitis. Those prone to pancreatitis should be cautious.

Who is most likely to develop pancreatic abscess?

People with severe pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or post-pancreatic surgery are more susceptible to pancreatic abscess.

Since pancreatic abscess is closely linked to pancreatitis, all high-risk groups for pancreatitis may develop it. These mainly include the following:

• Overeaters;

• Alcohol drinkers;

• Smokers;

• Those with biliary tract diseases;

• Those with hyperlipidemia or hypercalcemia;

• Those with a family history of pancreatic diseases.

DIAGNOSIS

What tests are needed to diagnose pancreatic abscess?

Blood tests, blood and urine amylase tests, hepatobiliary and pancreatic ultrasound, and pancreatic CT scans are required.

What diseases need to be differentiated from pancreatic abscess?

It needs to be distinguished from pancreatic pseudocyst, chronic pancreatitis mass, and pancreatic tumor.

TREATMENT

Which department should I visit for pancreatic abscess?

Hepatobiliary surgery or gastroenterology.

How is pancreatic abscess treated?

The core of treatment lies in thorough drainage of pus, with the specific approach determined by the patient's condition.

• Medical treatment: Includes systemic supportive care and anti-infection therapy, forming the foundation of pancreatic abscess treatment. After surgical intervention or drainage, aggressive anti-infection measures are essential. Antibiotics should be selected based on drug sensitivity tests, or broad-spectrum combinations may be used if the pathogen is unidentified.

• Percutaneous drainage: For early-stage pancreatic abscesses or single abscesses, ultrasound or CT-guided percutaneous drainage may be performed.

• Surgical treatment: The key is identifying and thoroughly draining all abscesses. Timely diagnosis and early intervention, including repeat surgery if necessary, along with postoperative drainage, irrigation, anti-infection therapy, and supportive care, can achieve a cure.

How is treatment effectiveness evaluated in pancreatic abscess patients?

Follow-up tests such as blood/urine amylase levels and pancreatic CT scans are used to assess treatment outcomes.

Can pancreatic abscess be completely cured?

With early surgical intervention, thorough drainage, effective treatment, and aggressive anti-infection and supportive therapy, pancreatic abscess can generally be cured.

What is the prognosis for pancreatic abscess treatment?

Treatment efficacy is closely related to timely diagnosis and intervention.

Delayed diagnosis often increases mortality, primarily due to sepsis from necrotic tissue, followed by complications from underlying conditions.

What is the likelihood of pancreatic abscess recurrence? How can it be prevented?

Persistent or recurrent abscesses post-surgery are usually caused by inadequate drainage.

Prevention involves thorough preoperative and postoperative imaging to detect and address all abscesses, with repeat surgery if necessary.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

What should patients with pancreatic abscess pay attention to in their diet?

When the patient's condition is mild, oral feeding can be started as long as it is tolerated. It is recommended to begin with a low-fat, easily digestible diet. Avoid spicy, cold, or other irritating foods, as well as carbonated beverages. Eat small, frequent meals.

When the condition is severe and oral feeding is not tolerated, enteral nutritional support therapy can be administered.

PREVENTION

What are the preventive measures for pancreatic abscess?

Avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits such as overeating; actively treat conditions that may induce pancreatitis, such as gallstones or hyperlipidemia.

Seek timely treatment at qualified hospitals if experiencing symptoms related to pancreatitis.