Optimising Pain Relief in Acute Pancreatitis: An Evidence-Based Approach

Pain is a dominant symptom in acute pancreatitis, yet high-level evidence guiding optimal analgesic management in acute pancreatitis has been limited. Emerging evidence suggests a role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and opioids in the management of pain in acute pancreatitis patients. Based on a narrative review of the current literature, we provide an overview of available evidence, give an update on recent studies, and propose a treatment algorithm for pain management in acute pancreatitis, considering pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities, patient comorbidities, and disease severity. Existing studies are generally limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in outcomes, unidimensional pain assessments, and a lack of understanding for the pathophysiology of pain in acute pancreatitis. Future trials should focus on multicentre collaboration, comprehensive pain evaluation, adequate sample sizes, and understanding the complex molecular mechanisms of acute pancreatitis pain.