Acute pancreatitis is a potentially lethal inflammatory disease with an increased incidence and a decreased mortality rate. The main etiologies are biliary stones and alcohol abuse. The therapeutic approach consists of the elimination of the cause, the hemodynamic and respiratory supports and the treatment of the complications. Moreover, severe acute pancreatitis requires a collaboration between surgeons, radiologists, gastroenterologists and intensive care physicians. The administration of prophylactic antibiotics and the early oral nutritional support are still controversial. In summary, the anticipation in diagnosis, etiology, classification of the severity and early reanimation are needed for an optimal treatment of this complex disease.