[Improved prognosis in acute pancreatitis].

An initial retrospective analysis of cases treated between 1963 and 1980 showed the main factors improving prognosis to be delayed operative treatment, radical removal of all necrotic tissue, post-operative use of irrigation and suction drainage. The prospective use of this regime during the years 1981 to 1982 resulted in an operative mortality of 29%. A further decrease in the operative mortality to 14% could be achieved in 1983 and 1984 by performing preoperative ERCP, because the knowledge of preexisting pancreatic fistulae and other pathologic changes of the duct system allow an individualized operative treatment adopted to the special problems of each cases.