La pancreatitis aguda (PA) se define como la inflamación aguda del páncreas. Se diagnostica por epigastralgia, aumento de enzimas y alteraciones en las pruebas de imagen. Se clasifica según la existencia de fracaso orgánico (FO) y el estado de la necrosis (peri)pancreática. Los casos con FO persistente deben ingresar en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). El manejo se basa en medidas de soporte, hidratación, control del dolor e inicio de la nutrición de forma precoz. Los antibióticos no se deben usar de forma profiláctica. La cirugía se realiza si aparecen perforación de víscera hueca, isquemia intestinal o fracaso del tratamiento médico en el síndrome compartimental. La necrosis infectada (NI), como norma general, debe manejarse de forma conservadora o mínimamente invasiva. Pero si se desarrolla antes de que esté encapsulada, y se asocia a FO, hay que recurrir al drenaje no invasivo, y si este fracasa, a la necrosectomía abierta.

Acute pancreatitis is defined as acute inflammation of the pancreas. The diagnosis of the condition is made on the basis of three key factors: epigastric pain, elevated levels of enzymes, and alterations to imaging tests. The classification of such cases is determined by the presence or absence of organ failure and the stage of (peri)pancreatic necrosis. Cases with persistent organ failure should be admitted to intensive care. The management is predicated on supportive measures, adequate hydration, effective pain management and the early initiation of nutrition. The utilization of antibiotics in a prophylactic capacity is to be avoided. Surgical intervention is indicated in cases of hollow viscera perforation, intestinal ischemia, or failure of medical treatment in compartment syndrome. In general, the management of infected necrosis should be conservative or minimally invasive. However, should the condition develop prior to encapsulation and be associated with organ failure, non-invasive drainage should be employed. In the event of this procedure failing, open necrosectomy should be considered.