Guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis

Level 1: Evidence obtained from systematic reviews of all relevant randomized controlled trials. Level 2: Evidence derived from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial. Level 3: Evidence from a well-designed control trial without randomization; or from well-designed cohort or case–control analytical studies; preferably from more than one center or research group; or from multiple time series with or without intervention. Level 4: Opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience, descriptive studies or reports of expert committees.This level signifies the need for further research. The final document was prepared and submitted to the Secretary General of OMGE for final scrutiny prior to publication for the World Congress of Gastroenterology. At the congress the recommendations were presented and questions and comments noted. These comments were incorporated into the final guidelines where appropriate.