Emergencies of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2011 May;29(2):293-317
Authors: Privette TW, Carlisle MC, Palma JK
Abdominal pain is a common presenting complaint in today's emergency department (ED). Disorders related to the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are responsible for many of these presentations. With the increasing prevalence of gallstones, as well as alcohol use and abuse, the numbers of cases are likely to increase. This article examines hepatic emergencies including alcoholic hepatitis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, the authors review the presentation, evaluation, and management of acute biliary tract disorders with some emphasis on bedside ultrasonography. Evaluation and treatment of pancreatitis and its complications in the ED are discussed.
PMID: 21515181 [PubMed - in process]