ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical application of the minimally invasive step-up approach in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and to explore the clinical indications, timing for the minimally invasive step-up approach, and to make comparison with open necrosectomy. MethodsThe literatures about the treatment of SAP in recent years were collected to make a review. ResultsThe minimally invasive step-up approach, comparing with open necrosectomy, was more effective to treat SAP, however, itself had its own limitations. In the treatment process, the optimal method was minimally invasive step-up approach, but also did not exclude open necrosectomy. ConclusionsThe treatment of SAP can not rely on a single method, it needs a comprehensive treatment which is relate with multidisciplinary management and highly individual choice. In addition, it needs further study to explore the timing and indications for transforming minimally invasive step-up approach into open necrosectomy.