Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Idiopathic Pancreatitis

Overview

The causes of acute pancreatitis in Finland are alcohol overuse (60%), cholecystolithiasis (20%) and idiopathic (i.e. etiology unknown)(20%). Acute pancreatitis may recur in over half of cases and may be fatal in severe cases in 30%. Majority of idiopathic pancreatitis are caused by microlithiasis in gall bladder. The purpose of this randomized study is to prevent recurrence of idiopathic pancreatitis by performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to non-operative group in 2 years follow-up of patients.

Etiologic investigations include serum amylase, lipase, triglyceride and calcium determination, as well as abdominal ultrasound scanning. Alcohol consumption is asked by using WHO audit test. After etiology of acute pancreatitis has been confirmed as idiopathic, 100 patients are randomized to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 100 patients to follow-up of 2 years. Five to seven Finnish university and main central hospitals are participating the study.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Central Contacts