A 59-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back, nausea and vomiting. Serum lipase is elevat...

Question

A 59-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back, nausea and vomiting. Serum lipase is elevated to three times the upper limit of normal. Ultrasound shows no gallstones. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive IV fluid resuscitation, analgesia and bowel rest

Answer

Immediate ERCP with sphincterotomy

Answer

Early commencement of enteral feeding via nasogastric tube within 24-48 hours

Answer

Start broad-spectrum antibiotics for all patients

Answer

Urgent cholecystectomy

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Acute pancreatitis initial management

A 59-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back, nausea and vomiting. Serum lipase is elevated to three times the upper limit of normal. Ultrasound shows no gallstones. What is the most appropriate initial management?