Endoscopic Treatment of Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis and Smoldering Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

Recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) is a challenging condition that can lead to chronic pancreatitis and long-term morbidity. Etiology-based treatment can potentially have an impact on the natural history of RAP and its progression to chronic pancreatitis. In cases of divisum-associated RAP and idiopathic RAP, several studies have been performed to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic therapy in alleviation of symptoms and frequency of AP events. This review discusses the literature available on these topic as well as touching on the role of endoscopic therapy in smoldering acute pancreatitis.

Keywords: Endoscopic therapy; Idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis; Pancreatic divisum; Recurrent acute pancreatitis; Smoldering acute pancreatitis.