INTRODUCTION: Acute pancreatitis is presented in its severe form between 10% and 15% of cases and is associated with high mortality. In the initial phase, evolution characterized by the onset of organ dysfunction and subsequently by the presence of pancreatic necrosis and its complications. METHODS: It was performed a literature review with consultations in the following databases: PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs. Headings used were the following: acute pancreatitis, infection, pancreatic necrosis. CONCLUSION: The treatment of pancreatic necrosis, despite the advent of modern methods and techniques, is still challenging. Because of the multiplicity of aspects that may take the examination of each case, in view of the extent, severity and location of facilities within a patient's care, the treatment should be individualized for each case.
Acute pancreatitis; Infection; Pancreatic necrosis