Copyright (c) 2026 Fernando Pérez, Edwin Araúz
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Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common gastrointestinal emergencies worldwide. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, demographic, and epidemiological characteristics of patients hospitalized with AP at two referral hospitals in Panama during 2022
Materials and Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted between January 1 and December 31, 2022, with a diagnosis of AP were included. Demographic variables, etiology, severity, complications, treatment, and outcomes were collected, and statistical analysis was performed using EpiInfo 7.2. Results: A total of 217 patients were evaluated, of whom 64% were women, with a mean age of 49 ± 18 years. The predominant etiology was biliary (80%), followed by idiopathic (4%). Most cases were mild (76.5%), while 13.4% were moderately severe and 10.1% were severe. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (28%). Local complications occurred in 18% of patients, primarily necrotizing pancreatitis (7%), and systemic complications in 23%, notably acute renal failure and pleural effusion. The mean hospital stay was 13 ± 12 days, with 90% of patients staying more than 7 days. Of the 176 candidates for cholecystectomy, 51% underwent surgery, while 33% did not receive surgery. Mortality was 4%. Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis in Panama is predominantly biliary in origin, has a mostly mild course, and exhibits mortality rates consistent with international standards. Prolonged hospitalizations, associated with delays in cholecystectomy, highlight the need to optimize timely surgical management.
