Abstract:Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute abdominal condition with significant regional variations in incidence worldwide. Hunan province, characterized by a high prevalence of biliary diseases, has a relatively high and steadily increasing incidence of AP. Notably, substantial disparities in diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities exist across different regions and healthcare levels, which may adversely affect patient outcomes. To standardize the management of AP and improve the overall quality of care, the Pancreatic Surgery Working Group of the General Surgery Professional Committee of the Hunan Medical Association developed this standardized protocol based on expert consensus, incorporating current domestic and international guidelines as well as recent advances. The protocol systematically addresses diagnostic criteria, etiological evaluation, clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging assessments, severity stratification, disease staging, complication management, and follow-up strategies. Implementation of this protocol is expected to enhance early recognition and diagnostic accuracy, optimize stratified treatment, and reduce complications and mortality, particularly improving outcomes in patients with severe AP.