Laparoscopic cholecystectomy prevents readmissions. A 9-year review of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy in an Australian tertiary center

Abstract

BackgroundAcute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, affecting women at any gestation. The aim of this review is to investigate the demographics, etiology, management, and outcomes of pancreatitis in pregnant women in a major tertiary hospital in Queensland. MethodsData was collected from the hospital medical records of all patients diagnosed with APIP from 01/01/2012 until 30/04/2021 at the Mater Hospital, Brisbane. Descriptive statistical measures were employed. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to challenge different risk factors for readmission. Results26 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 38 admissions during the study period. Biliary pancreatitis was the most common etiology (n = 14, 53.8%). 42.5% of admissions were managed operatively (n = 15). 38.5% of patients had more than one admission (n = 10). Undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on index admission correlated with a significantly lower chance of repeat admission (rs= -.48, p = .013, CI = - .737 to -.102). ConclusionThis is the first study of this condition in an Australian institution. It demonstrates that in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis, operative management can be safely employed at any trimester and laparoscopic cholecystectomies should be performed in the index admission to reduce the risk of readmission to hospital.