Pancreatitis Health Center

Getting medical treatment for acute pancreatitis is essential. Acute pancreatitis can develop into various complications if left untreated or ignored. If gallstones are the cause of acute pancreatitis, the stones and the gallbladder need to be removed surgically. If the patient develops an infection, surgery may be needed to drain the infected area, to explore the source of the bleeding to rule out conditions that resemble pancreatitis or even to remove damaged pancreatic tissue.

Pseudocysts, which are accumulations of fluid and tissue debris, may develop in the pancreas. If left untreated, these pseudocysts could allow enzymes and toxins to enter the bloodstream. These toxins can affect the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs. The condition can also lead to kidney failure, which would then require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

In rare cases, people with acute pancreatitis can develop breathing problems. One such problem is hypoxia, a condition that happens when the body's cells and tissues do not get enough oxygen. Some patients with this complication may experience lung failure and require a transplant.