SummaryTwo patients with massive ascites due to chronic alcoholic pancreatitis are reported on. The high amylase and protein content point to a pancreatic origin. Bisalbumin was present in plasma and ascites of one patient. Both cases were treated by total parenteral nutrition, one received peritoneal lavage. Pancreatic ascites disappeared in both after 4–5 weeks. A review is given of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy.