Int'l Pancreatic Guidelines

The latest International Association of Pancreatology/American Pancreatic Association guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis were developed and led by a steering committee of seven experts in the field with contributions from over 50 pancreatologists from around the world.

The last IAP guidelines in this area were published 11 years ago in 2002; since then there have been significant advances in the field based on randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews.
Therefore, this joint initiative, undertaken with the strong support of the IAP and APA leadership, represents a timely and essential exercise. Current evidence regarding a wide range of issues relevant to the management of acute pancreatitis was critically evaluated by the steering committee and twelve review groups and their recommendations were subsequently discussed at a special symposium held under the auspices of the IAP and the APA, during the November 2012 joint meeting of these two associations.

The resulting document exemplifies an international, multidisciplinary and importantly, collaborative approach, that provides an up-to-date, evidence based guide which will undoubtedly be useful to all clinicians involved in the treatment of this common, but often troublesome, gastrointestinal disorder.

1. The International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) - is a unique international organisation established in 1985 and devoted to basic and clinical understanding of pancreatic functions and diseases.

It is an assembly of basic scientists and clinical investigators from 32 countries dedicated to explore pancreatic biology in order to improve treatment outcomes in a variety of pancreatic disorders. The four major objectives of the IAP are:

a) To promote and encourage the advancement and exchange of knowledge respecting the normal and diseased pancreas by means of regular international meetings.

b) To advance and encourage studies in basic and clinical research in Pancreatology by meetings and official publications.

c) To promote public interest in Pancreatology.

d) To make known the objectives and activities of the Association by the publication of its activities in a range of media including the regular publication of its Journal.


2. European Pancreatic Club (EPC) - is a non-profit, international scientific organization dedicated to the study of the pancreas.

EPC was founded in 1965, with the idea to bring together basic scientists and clinicians in an informal atmosphere to promote friendship and research communication between them.
Therefore, EPC has provided a platform for pancreatologists for 47 years. EPC has strong connections with various European National Pancreatic Societies (from 22 countries).

3. American Pancreatic Association (APA) :- is a membership organization for physicians and researchers interested in diseases of the exocrine pancreas. APA's mission is to foster clinical and basic science research needed to cure diseases of the pancreas. The APA strives to continue advancing the field of research, while training the next generation of researchers devoted to finding a cure for these deadly diseases.