| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | A cavity of pus within the pancreas. |
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors | Pancreatic abscess occurs in up to 5% of people with pancreatitis '>acute pancreatitis . An abscess may be caused by inadequate drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst , which is a complication of pancreatitis . |
| Symptoms | fever and rigors chills abdominal painabdominal mass inability to eat, nausea, vomiting |
| Signs and tests | Physical examination may show signs of pancreatic inflammation, such as fever, abdominal tenderness, and a mass. Tests performed may include: an abdominal CT scan an abdominal ultrasound |
| Treatment | Percutaneous (through the skin) drainage of the abscess may be possible. Laparotomy with drainage and possible resection of dead tissue may be required. |
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| Expectations (prognosis) | The outcome is related to the severity of the pancreatitis . The death rate from undrained pancreatic abscesses is very high. |
| Complications | multiple abscessessepsis |
| Calling your health care provider | Call your health care provider if persistent abdominal pain with fever or other signs of pancreatic abscess develops; particularly if you have recently had a pancreatic pseudocyst . |
| Prevention | Adequate drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst can help prevent some cases of this disorder. However, in many cases the disorder is not preventable. |
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