In recent years in many European countries, an increase has been observed in the incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP). Analysis of the results of scarce Polish epidemiological studies suggests that Poland belongs to the countries with the highest incidence rate – 72.1/100 000. The incidence rate in the Kielce region is 99.9/100 000 and 79.7/100 000 patients who experienced the first episode of pancreatitis. The main cause of contracting the disease is gallstones, responsible for 34% of cases, while alcohol is the cause of AP in 24.1% of patients. In recent years, an increase has been noted in the incidence of AP with a severe course. Although in the majority of patients the course of the disease is mild, in the severe form mortality remains within the range 30–60%.