Current concepts of treatment in acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Results of a recent inquiry

In order to ascertain the current clinical concepts in treating acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP), an inquiry was made covering 28 anesthesiologic, medical and surgical departments. Problems of particular concern were antibiotics, indication for mandatory ventilation, estimation of ERCP and needle biopsy, methods of treating intestinal stasis, criteria for surgical intervention, estimation of hemofiltration and estimation of mortality and hospital stay in survivors. Twenty-three affiliations participated in the study. Opinions varied significantly concerning antibiotic treatment, value of ERCP and needle biopsy, treatment of intestinal stasis and estimation of clinical course and outcome. Most participants were in agreement regarding the management of mechanical ventilation, nutritional support and surgical intervention. Eleven participants did not prefer a special medical discipline for the treatment of ANP but stressed the importance of efficient teamwork.