O-BN05 The management of pancreatitis and complications that require intervention in a Benign Specialist Surgical Unit

Background Acute pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas is a common surgical pathology that presents with a spectrum of severity. The condition itself ranges from a mild/moderate self-limiting pathology to one associated with a systemic inflammatory response that can lead to organ dysfunction and death. We aim to investigate the aetiology/management and outcomes of patients presenting with pancreatitis in a benign specialist surgical unit with dedicated upper GI surgical care. Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients presenting and falling under surgical care with biochemical/radiological pancreatitis was conducted, using hospital archiving systems, reviewing operative notes and follow up events was conducted over an 8-year period. Results Within our benign specialist centre, 1393 patients were treated over an 8-year period. 73% of patients presenting with acute pancreatitis were male, whereas only 37% were female. The age range of patients presenting was 12 to 100 years, with the median age being 44 years. Within our population, 36.8% of acute pancreatitis was caused by gallstones, and 29.6% caused by alcohol and 33.6% other causes. 81% of patients seen had mild/moderate self-resolving pancreatitis requiring only fluids and analgesia. 19% had complicated pancreatitis requiring complex medical/surgical treatment.4.8% patients developed pancreatic necrosis, and 3.7% developed pancreatic pseudocysts. 8 patients required necrosectomy, 19 patients required cystogastrostomy and 1 patient required distal pancreatectomy with no 90-day mortality. Conclusions Our specialist unit with the support of gastroenterology, nutrition team, radiology and ITU have managed a large cohort of pancreatitic patients, the small number patients who require a surgical intervention have had good outcomes.