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Abstract
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, most commonly caused by gallstone obstruction of the pancreatic duct or excessive alcohol consumption. It typically presents severe epigastric pain radiating to the back and can result in significant complications, including ascites, pleural effusions and renal failure. Prolonged or recurrent pancreatic inflammation may lead to irreversible structural changes, including fibrosis, ductal strictures, and cyst formation. Chronic pancreatitis is associated with persistent pain, impaired pancreatic function, and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The management is primarily supportive and includes aggressive fluid resuscitation, early enteral nutrition, adequate analgesia, and treatment of complications. Pain control remains a cornerstone of management in both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Analgesia is typically guided by the World Health Organization pain ladder, with non-opioid agents used initially; however, due to the severity of pain in acute pancreatitis, opioids are frequently required as first-line therapy. Despite the central role of analgesia in management, evidence comparing the efficacy and safety of different analgesics in pancreatitis remains limited. As a result, clinical practice varies and is often guided by clinician preference, perceived risk of complications, and individual patient factors.
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Article Type: Review Article
ELECTRON J GEN MED, Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2026, Article No: em723
https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/18090
Publication date: 12 Mar 2026
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