A 52-year-old man presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and tachycardia. Serum amylase is three times the upper limit o...

Question

A 52-year-old man presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and tachycardia. Serum amylase is three times the upper limit of normal. Ultrasound shows gallstones without bile duct dilatation. What is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Keep nil by mouth, give intravenous fluids and opiate analgesia

Answer

Start oral fluids and discharge with analgesia

Answer

Arrange urgent ERCP for stone extraction

Answer

Immediate elective cholecystectomy

Answer

Treat with high-dose steroids

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Acute pancreatitis

A 52-year-old man presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and tachycardia. Serum amylase is three times the upper limit of normal. Ultrasound shows gallstones without bile duct dilatation. What is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?