[Therapy of acute pancreatitis]

The management of acute pancreatitis (AP) is symptomatic and is adjusted to the clinical course of the disease, which is assessed by different clinical variables, laboratory findings as well as by contrast-medium-enhanced computed tomography. The therapy of AP consists of a general basic treatment (fluid substitution, antibiotics, etc.) and additional measures according to intensive-care principles. Antisecretory substances such as glucagon, calcitonin and somatostatin are ineffective; the value of peritoneal lavage and early ERCP with EPT as standard treatment is still under debate. Surgical treatment is only indicated if the clinical course worsens various of the supportive measures.