[Acute pancreatitis].

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the exocrine pancreas and is among the most common benign gastroenterological causes of hospitalization in Germany. Worldwide, particularly in Western countries, an increasing incidence has been observed. Clinically, the disease typically presents with a sudden onset of severe upper abdominal pain, often radiating in a belt-like pattern to the back. In most cases, pancreatitis follows a mild course and resolves completely within about 1 week. However, some patients develop severe, necrotizing forms with septic features and organ dysfunction, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. From a therapeutic standpoint, early and adequate fluid resuscitation, sufficient analgesia and early oral intake are of primary importance. In necrotizing cases, targeted antibiotic therapy and endoscopic necrosectomy are additionally used.