Gen surg

Question 1

Aetiology of acute pancreatitis (acronym)

Answer 1

I GET SMASHED
Idiopathic
Gallstones
Ethanol
Trauma
Steroids, surgery
Microbiology, malignancy
Autoimmune
Scorption bites
Hypercalcaemia, hypercholesterolaemia
ERCP
Drugs - abx, furosemide, steroids

Question 2

Diagnosis of acute pancreatitis

Answer 2

2 of the following 3 is diagnostic

• Elevation of serum amylase to 3x upper limit of normal
• Acute onset of severe epigastric pain radiating to the back
• Characteristic findings of acute pancreatitis on imaging (oedematous swelling, peri-pancreatic fluid build-up, evidence of necrosis, abscess or pseudocyst).