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Acute Pancreatitis — Comprehensive Guide

An acute abdominal emergency with sudden inflammation of the pancreas, ranging from mild to life-threatening severe forms.

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Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Pancreatitis — Comprehensive Guide?

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory disease resulting from pancreatic enzymes being activated within the gland and starting to digest the pancreas. The incidence is 30-80 cases per 100,000; in Türkiye, the most common causes are gallstones (40-50%) and alcohol use (30-35%).

The disease can run as mild (interstitial edematous) or severe (necrotizing). According to the revised Atlanta classification, the mild form has no organ failure or local complications; moderate severe form has transient organ failure or local complications; the severe form has persistent (>48 hours) organ failure.

Diagnosis is made based on clinical findings plus amylase or lipase levels more than three times the upper limit of normal, and/or imaging findings. Early aggressive intravenous fluid therapy and early resumption of oral feeding are the main principles of treatment.

Symptoms

Sudden-onset severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
Nausea and persistent vomiting
Abdominal wall tenderness and distension
Fever and tachycardia
Jaundice (in gallstone-related cases)
Respiratory distress and circulatory collapse (shock) in severe cases

Risk Factors

Presence of gallstones and biliary sludge
Chronic and heavy alcohol consumption
Hypertriglyceridemia (>1000 mg/dL)
ERCP (most common iatrogenic cause)
Certain drugs (azathioprine, thiazides, valproate)
Autoimmune pancreatitis and genetic pancreatitis (PRSS1, SPINK1 mutations)
Abdominal trauma

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Seek immediate care for sudden-onset severe upper-mid abdominal or back pain
  • If pain is accompanied by fever, vomiting, and respiratory distress (emergency!)
  • If there is abdominal rigidity or excessive tenderness to touch
  • If jaundice develops

Treatment Methods

01
Aggressive IV fluid replacement: isotonic Ringer lactate or saline in the first 24-48 hours
02
Pain control: IV opioid analgesics (morphine, tramadol)
03
Resume oral intake as early as possible (nasogastric feeding may be required)
04
In gallstone-related biliary pancreatitis: emergent ERCP if cholangitis is present; otherwise elective cholecystectomy
05
In necrotizing pancreatitis: broad-spectrum antibiotics + CT-guided drainage or surgery
06
Intensive care monitoring: multi-organ support therapy in severe cases

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.