A historic perspective on the contributions of surgeons to the understanding of acute pancreatitis

Background Acute pancreatitis is a disease with a broad spectrum of presentation, severity, and treatment. Current management involves a multidisplinary team of surgeons, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists whose varied clinical skills contribute to the evolving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this disease. However, critical aspects of therapy have remained the responsibility of the general surgeon. The purpose of this review is to examine the many contributions of surgeons in acute pancreatitis. Data sources A review of the literature taken from PubMed on seminal articles published by surgeons on the subject of acute pancreatitis. Conclusions Surgeons have made significant contributions to the understanding of the pathophysiology and evolution of therapy of acute pancreatitis. The specialty should continue to take a leadership role to improve outcomes.