We should like to evaluate in our paper practical experience and diagnostic possibilities as well as treatment of acute pancreatitis in a surgical department of our type and make possible a comparison of our results with those of other departments of a similar or higher type. We also pay detailed attention to the course of the disease and causes of death in patients who died in conjunction with acute pancreatitis in our department. In 1996 to 1998 in our department 39 patients with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were hospitalized. This number comprised 28 (72 %) men and 11 (28 %) women. The mean age of the men was 51.7 years (26 to 88 years) ,the mean age of women 51 years (18 to 82 years). Five patients (12.8 %) died from sequelae of the disease (4 men and 1 woman). Under conditions when examination by a computed tomograph is considered essential, we present experience from a department which does not possess its own apparatus and must make use of capacities of other hospitals.

        Key words: acute pancreatitis O computed tomography