Abstract In the UK acute pancreatitis is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. 25% of patients develop the severe form of the disease and are at risk of developing multiorgan failure. Serum amylase is a poor indicator of severity. Contrast enhanced CT scanning has now become the radiological investigation of choice. A Consensus Conference in Washington in 2004 tackled some of the contentious areas of management, including where a patient should be observed, the use of prophylactic antibiotics, the optimal mode of nutrition and surgical management. Long-term complications of pancreatitis include the development of pancreatic abscess and pancreatic pseudocyst.