Acute biliary pancreatitis: the current role of endoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures.

AIM: This review aims to summarize the state of the art in endoscopic and other minimally invasive technique for the treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis. Current indications, advantages or disadvantages for each reported technique and future perspectives are discussed.

BACKGROUND

Acute biliary pancreatitis is one of the most common gastroenterological diseases. Its management range from medical to interventional treatment and involves gastroenterologists, nutritionists, endoscopists, interventional radiologists and surgeons. Interventional procedures are required in case of local complications, failure of medical treatment and definitive treatment of biliary gallstones. Endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures have progressively gained favor and wide diffusion in treating acute biliary pancreatitis reporting good results in terms of safety and minor morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is advocated in case of cholangitis and persistent common biliary duct obstruction. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the definitive treatment for acute biliary pancreatitis. Endoscopic transmural drainage and necrosectomy have gained acceptance and diffusion in treating pancreatic necrosis reporting minor impact on morbidity respect surgery. A surgical approach to pancreatic necrosis progressively shifts towards minimally invasive technique like minimally access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy, video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement or laparoscopic necrosectomy. Open necrosectomy in necrotizing pancreatitis is reserved to failure of endoscopic or minimally invasive treatment or in case of wide necrotic collections.

KEY WORDS: Acute biliary pancreatitis, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Pancreatic necrosis.