“Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis” has been a key focus for clinical practice and research in the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine at West China Hospital over the past few decades. Under the guidance of the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the “Yi-Huo-Qing-Xia (Reinforcing–Activating–Clearing–Descending)” therapeutic approach, the project innovatively integrates various TCM treatment methods, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, internal and external application of TCM, and oral administration combined with enemas. Combined with Western medical techniques and academic advancements, it has formed a comprehensive integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment plan.

The department is the national leading unit for the collaboration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in treating major and difficult diseases by the "Three Ministries." It treats over 2,000 patients with acute pancreatitis annually, making it the largest treatment center globally. The therapeutic efficacy is internationally leading and is recognized as a model for TCM treatment of critical and severe diseases. The department has won first and second prizes for provincial and ministerial-level scientific and technological progress multiple times. It also maintains extensive and in-depth international collaborations with world-class pancreatic disease centers in the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, and other countries.