The acute peripancreatic fluid collections (AFPCs) is the most common complication in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). There are controversies on optimal timing for drainage of APFCs in SAP. The early-stage percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) of sterile peripancreatic fluid collections is questioned as a result of the major cause of secondary infection. The aim of the present randomized controlled trial is to compare the outcomes in terms of mortality, secondary infection of peripancreatic collections, organ failure, length of hospital/ICU stay and inflammatory biomarkers between the early-stage PCD of sterile AFPCs and conservative therapy.