Early operation for fulminant acute pancreatitis: a possible way to decrease mortality

Background Although the indication and the timing for surgery in fulminant acute pancreatitis (FAP) are still controversial, our experience of surgical treatment for fulminant acute pancreatitis may help improve the outcome for patients. Methods The clinical data of twenty-six patients with FAP from January 1, 2001 to October 1, 2005 were analyzed. The diagnostic criteria fitted the 2007 Guidelines for the Management of Severe Acute Pancreatitis by the Chinese Medical Association. Results Twenty-six patients with FAP received surgical debridement, with a mortality rate of 42.3% (11/26). The postoperative mortalities in the >72 hour operation group and the ≤72 hour operation group were highly significantly different (7/8 vs 22.2% (4/18), respectively). Conclusions Early surgery may reduce the intraabdominal pressure and prevent the deterioration of FAP. An operation within 72 hours from the onset of symptoms might decrease the mortality of the disease.