Pancreatitis: Treatment

Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. This includes aggressive IV fluid administration to maintain blood pressure; bowel rest (no oral intake, insert nasogastric tube if patient is vomiting); IV medications for pain control; antiemetics to relieve nausea or vomiting; insulin administration for glucose intolerance; and monitoring and correcting electrolyte abnormalities, especially calcium. In advanced cases, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) may be indicated.  

Addressing the underlying etiology is another treatment priority. For example, the patient should avoid alcohol and fatty foods. Cholecystectomy for gallstone pancreatitis should be delayed until the acute event resolves. Endoscopic or surgical intervention may be necessary in select cases.