[Grade II and III acute pancreatitis. Diagnostic classification and surgical treatment].

Thirteen cases of acute IIIrd degree pancreatitis and 5 homogeneous cases of IInd degree, treated surgically during the first 48 hours from onset of the symptomatology, are described. The importance of careful cardiorespiratory, haemodynamic and metabolic monitoring to establish the most appropriate moment for intervention after a period of intensive therapy designed to restore the basic parameters is stressed. In the present series, total mortality was 44%. Forms with biliary aetiology have the best prognosis and justify the earliest possible surgical intervention.