【Abstract】ObjectiveTo study the therapeutic effects of indwelling catheters in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). MethodsThe clinical data of 113 patients with severe acute pancreatitis admitted to our hospital from Aug. 2002 to May 2004 were collected. The patients were divided into the indwelling catheter group (45 cases) and the control group (68 cases).The APACHEⅡscores and therapeutic results were compared. The drainage and intraabdominal pressure (IPA) were monitored. Results The APACHEⅡscores on day 2 and day 5 after therapy in indwelling catheter group were significantly decreased compared with the control group(P=0.000).The average hospital stay and cyst morbidity of the indwelling catheter group were significantly decreased compared with those of the control group(P=0.000). The mortality rate was lower in the indwelling catheter group, but there was no statistical difference between these two groups(Pgt;0.05). The IAP was positively correlative with the drainage volume, hospital day and APACHEⅡscores(r=0.552, r=0.748, r=0.923，P=0.000). ConclusionThe indwelling catheter is an important treatment in patients with SAP.