Necrotizing pancreatitis is a condition that sometimes develops as a complication of acute pancreatitis. The pancreas is a gland in the digestive system. Alcoholism or gallstones can lead to the development of acute pancreatitis, in which the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed. In some cases, the inflammation of the pancreas is severe and this can lead to the death of areas of tissue in and around the pancreas, in what is known as necrotizing pancreatitis. Areas of necrotic or dead tissue can become infected and this can be associated with the failure of various organs in the body, with fatal consequences.
Within the digestive system, the function of the pancreas is to produce hormones and digestive juices, as well as the hormone insulin. Excessive alcohol consumption or gallstones can lead to inflammation, although the mechanism by which gallstones cause pancreatitis is not fully understood. In the case of alcoholism, people may already have long-term chronic pancreatitis, which can flare up suddenly and get worse in an acute attack. Digestive enzymes in the pancreatic cells begin to digest the pancreas, and the inflammation can spread to other organs, causing death in the most severe cases. For about a third of people who survive a severe attack of pancreatitis, necrotizing pancreatitis, with necrosis or death, may develop of areas of the pancreas and surrounding tissues.
When an attack of pancreatitis does not respond to treatment, necrotizing pancreatitis may be suspected. Symptoms of necrotizing pancreatitis can include abdominal pain, tenderness, and fever. The pancreas may be enlarged and can be felt in the upper abdomen. A CT scan, or CT scan, can reveal fluid-filled areas within the gland. Samples of the pancreas can be taken with a fine needle attached to a syringe to check for necrosis and bacteria.
Necrotizing pancreatitis treatments vary depending on whether the necrotic tissue has become infected. Where no infection is present, patients are closely monitored and antibiotics can be given as a preventive measure. If the necrotic areas of the pancreas have already been infected, surgery is necessary.
Surgical treatment involves a procedure known as a necrosectomy, in which dead tissue is cut out, fluid is drained, and the diseased area is washed. Necrotizing pancreatitis is a serious condition, and even with proper treatment only two-thirds of patients are expected to survive. The prognosis is better in cases where infection has not occurred.