RESUMO
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 thisstudy 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 thesurgical department was performed. Patients' demographics; year of admission;number of attacks; aetiology; management and outcome were entered on a specialstudy proforma.Results: Altogether 707 attacks of AP (M: F; 5.7: 1) were recorded. The proportion of gallstone APincreased (3.1to 12.7) and that of alcohol-related AP decreased (84to 67.6). Alcohol was themain aetiological factor for AP. Drugs; hyperlipidaemia; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) andendoscopic pancreatography-related AP increased in the second decade. The in-hospital mortality rateduring the respective periods was 6.5and 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