[Gastrointestinal emergencies - acute pancreatitis].

The acute pancreatitis is a frequent event with an impressive clinical presentation. Specific treatment does not exist. The goals of the medical measures are to ameliorate complaints and to prevent complications. During recent years, insights into adequate treatment have significantly increased. Recommendations on volume therapy have now been specified. Moreover, progress has been made in the efficient employment of nutritional support, imaging and antibiotic treatment. In addition, the treatment of large or infected necrosis has significantly improved. The article reviews the current state-of-the-art care of acute pancreatitis.