Question

A 35-year-old man presents with acute onset severe epigastric pain radiating to the back after a weekend of heavy alcohol use. Lipase is elevated at 1200 U/L, and ultrasound shows no gallstones. He is haemodynamically stable. What is the cornerstone of early management?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive intravenous hydration and pain control

Answer

Immediate ERCP

Answer

Broad-spectrum antibiotics for 7 days

Answer

Total parenteral nutrition

Answer

Early cholecystectomy

Practice question

A 35-year-old man presents with acute onset severe epigastric pain radiating to the back after a weekend of heavy alcohol use. Lipase is elevated at 1200 U/L, and ultrasound shows no gallstones. He is haemodynamically stable. What is the cornerstone of early management?