Introduction: SSAT/AGA/ASGE State-of-the-Art Conference: Necrotizing Pancreatitis: Novel Minimally Invasive Strategies

Background: Necrotizing pancreatitis is the most severe end of the spectrum of acute pancreatitis. Interventional treatment (i.e., "who, when, and how") of necrotizing pancreatitis is an ongoing source of considerable controversy. Novel minimally invasive strategies are being increasingly employed to perform pancreatic necrosectomy. Methods: The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recently convened a State-of-the-Art Conference to analyze the experience and evidence that these minimally invasive treatments are beneficial in select patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. Conclusions: This article serves as a general introduction to the State-of-the-Art Conference, Necrotizing Pancreatitis: Novel Minimally Invasive Strategies.