The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) has been increasing worldwide, but the major
etiologies remain gallstones and alcohol. Several studies have reported that smoking is an
independent risk factor for developing AP. Classification of AP has traditionally used the
categories of mild and severe disease. However, a new intermediate category of moderately
severe AP has been described with intermediate characteristics including a high incidence
of local complications but a low mortality. Assessment criteria that can serve as early …

Although the recent years have seen great improvements in our understanding of the
pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and in its management, the disease continues to pose
significant problems and remains an appreciable source of morbidity and mortality. In this
presentation, I intend to discuss some of the recent advances in the treatment of gallstone
pancreatitis and the management of multiple organ failure in necrotising pancreatitis, with
particular reference to the work of our own group.