Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas with an annual incidence of 5 to 50 per 100,000 people. It can range from mild to severe with mortality over 10% for severe cases. The pancreas is located in the retroperitoneum behind the stomach. Common causes are gallstones and excessive alcohol use which cause a pathological activation of pancreatic enzymes. Clinical features include abdominal pain but examination may also find signs of dehydration, fever, and tenderness. Diagnosis is made based on elevated serum amylase and lipase levels along with CT scan findings. Mild cases are treated conservatively with IV fluids while severe cases can lead to multiorgan failure.