Timing of surgery for acute biliary pancreatitis

Twenty-five patients with acute biliary pancreatitis were classified according to the severity of disease as determined by Ranson's signs. A significant correlation was found between the severity of pancreatitis estimated in this way and the observed postoperative mortality. Early operation was performed in 15 patients, whereas 10 patients received conservative management for a certain period before operation. The choice of treatment was based...