The authors evaluate the results of treatment of acute pancreatitis at the surgical clinic in 1972-1988. In 64% biliary pancreatitis was involved. The group with a more severe, complicated course is formed by 22.1% patients. In that group the mortality rate was 21.6%. In 57% it was accounted for by patients with biliary pancreatitis. In the group with a mild course of pancreatitis (77.9% of patients) the mortality was 0.9%. The approach to treatment of cholelithiasis in the acute stage of pancreatitis must be considered on an individual basis. In the majority of patients disease of the biliary pathways can be treated after control of acute pancreatitis during the primary hospitalization. In some patients surgery of the biliary pathways during acute pancreatitis is indicated. The risk of operation is high. Therefore in some patients endoscopic papillosphincterotomy is indicated.