Gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis: a field for endoscopic therapy?

The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis even if associated with gallstone remains unclear. This explains that the best treatment for gallstone-associated pancreatitis remains a matter of debate. However, different theoretical and clinical evaluations support the strategy to perform an endoscopic papillotomy if a common bile duct stone is suspected and the course of the disease does not improve spontaneously during the first 48 h. The discrepancies of the current data and the difficulties to give rational suggestions have been reviewed.