Question

A 56-year-old man with chronic alcohol use presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and raised serum lipase. Ultrasound shows gallstones but no bile duct dilatation. He is haemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

NPO (nil by mouth), IV fluids, analgesia and monitoring

Answer

Immediate ERCP

Answer

High-dose IV antibiotics

Answer

Emergency laparotomy

Answer

Discharge with oral analgesia

Practice question

A 56-year-old man with chronic alcohol use presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and raised serum lipase. Ultrasound shows gallstones but no bile duct dilatation. He is haemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate initial management?