Acute pancreatitis: current perspectives on diagnosis and management

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Surgical Gastroenterology
• Clinical Management Guidelines

Background:

• Recent evidence has significantly impacted acute pancreatitis (AP) management strategies over the last two decades.
• While many AP cases are mild, severe AP and its complications present ongoing clinical challenges.
• Gallstones remain the leading etiology of AP, with concerning epidemiological trends showing increasing incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and update diagnostic methods for acute pancreatitis.
• To present evidence supporting the best supportive care for AP.
• To discuss current management strategies for acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP).

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of diagnostic and management modalities for acute pancreatitis.
• Analysis of epidemiological data on gallstone pancreatitis incidence.
• Synthesis of evidence-based guidelines, institutional pathways, and clinical experience.

Main Results:

• Established diagnostic criteria and imaging techniques for AP.
• Highlighted the critical role of early supportive management in AP outcomes.
• Detailed the evolving surgical and non-surgical approaches to AGP.

Conclusions:

• A structured clinical pathway for managing acute gallstone pancreatitis has been developed.
• This pathway integrates current evidence, local protocols, and expert clinical judgment.
• The aim is to provide a practical guide for healthcare professionals managing AGP.