Background: Literature reports from Western countries suggest an increasing incidence of acute
pancreatitis (AP) and changing pattern over the past two decades. The aim of this
study was to document the incidence, aetiology and mortality from AP over two decades and to
examine any emerging trends.
Methods: A retrospective study of all confirmed cases of AP admitted over a 20-year period to the
surgical department was performed. Patients’ demographics, year of admission,
number of attacks, aetiology, management and outcome were entered on a special
study proforma.
Results: Altogether 707 attacks of AP (M: F, 5.7: 1) were recorded. The proportion of gallstone AP
increased (3.1% to 12.7%) and that of alcohol-related AP decreased (84% to 67.6%). Alcohol was the
main aetiological factor for AP. Drugs, hyperlipidaemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and
endoscopic pancreatography-related AP increased in the second decade. The in-hospital mortality rate
during the respective periods was 6.5% and 3.1%.
Conclusion: Gallstone AP increased during second decade from more Caucasian admissions and
increased gallstones among Blacks. The reduced mortality was attributed to changing trends in the
nature and aetiology of AP recorded, heightened awareness of the condition and improved
management.
