Acute pancreatitis associated with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis

Abstract

Twenty-nine cases of acute pancreatitis complicating recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, a clinical entity which has been previously described as a common disease in the Far East, occurred in 237 cases operated upon during the acute stage of the disease. This review concerns 657 cases seen during a period of 5 years. The pancreatitis is usually mild and is diagnosed mainly at operation. Unlike pancreatitis of other aetiology surgery should be undertaken early, because if obstruction by stones and infection of the biliary tract are relieved, recovery from the pancreatitis usually follows.