Pancreatic pseudocysts: observation, endoscopic drainage, or resection?

Spontaneous Hemorrhage into the Pseudocyst of the Pancreas Without Pseudoaneurysm: A Report of Rare Case and Literature Review

The pseudocysts of the pancreas usually occur in cases of acute or chronic pancreatitis due to damage to the pancreatic ducts. Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Hemorrhage into the pseudocyst is one of the most lethal complications of pancreatic pseudocyst. In this article, we present the case of a 49-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency room with primary symptoms of pain in the upper abdomen and vomiting that had been occurring for two days and had worsened over the past eight hours. He is a follow-up case of chronic pancreatitis, as well as stable pseudocysts located in the lesser sac, peripancreatic, and epigastric regions. Additionally, the patient had a history of alcohol misuse. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) examination of the abdomen and pelvis revealed an enlarged pancreas, hypodense and heterogeneously enhancing pancreatic parenchyma, diffuse peripancreatic fat stranding, and fluid collections. There are a few well-defined hypodense, peripherally enhancing lesions in the lesser sac, peripancreatic, and epigastric regions. On a plain computed tomography (CT) scan, the lesion in the lesser sac showed hyperdense (65 HU) and heterogeneous areas, indicating intracystic hemorrhage. On CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), there was no detectable source of bleeding into the pseudocyst. The patient was diagnosed with acute-on-chronic pancreatitis with pseudocysts and spontaneous hemorrhage in the pseudocyst without the presence of a pseudoaneurysm. Conservative treatment was recommended as the patient was hemodynamically stable, and no pseudoaneurysms were detected on the CECT or DSA. The patient exhibited a positive response to the treatment and was discharged in stable condition. The patient was recommended to have a conclusive procedure at a later date. A cystogastrostomy was performed after a period of one month. The postoperative recovery was unremarkable. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the significance of using computed tomography (CT) and angiography for promptly identifying the rare occurrence of hemorrhage into the pseudocyst of the pancreas. Additionally, it emphasized the uncommon occurrence of hemorrhage in the pseudocysts, along with their typical presentation and radiological evaluation.

Hemorrhagic Cysts in the Pancreas: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Outcomes - Insights from a Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND Hemorrhagic cysts are rarely discussed subtypes of pancreatic pseudocysts that occur in about 10% of these cases. They are caused by erosion of the walls of neighboring vessels by extravasated proteolytic pancreatic enzymes. A retrospective analysis was performed to clinically characterize risk factors, treatment, and outcome in patients with hemorrhagic cysts of the pancreas. MATERIAL AND METHODS The retrospective study included patients from the Department of Digestive Tract Surgery in Katowice, Poland, who were treated surgically for a pancreatic hemorrhagic cyst from January 2016 to November 2022. We gathered and assessed data on cyst etiology, symptoms, imaging examinations, risk factors, time, type, and complications of surgery. RESULTS The main symptom was abdominal pain, noted in 5 (62.5%) patients. The most common etiology of cyst was acute pancreatitis, which occurred in 5 patients (62.5%). The most common localization was the tail of pancreas, found in 3 patients (36.5%). The largest dimension of the cyst was 98±68 (30-200) mm. Every patient needed surgical intervention. Patients underwent distal pancreatectomy (n=3) or marsupialization (n=5). One (12.5%) postoperative complication was observed, while mortality was 0%. CONCLUSIONS Hemorrhagic cyst is a life-threatening complication of pancreatitis requiring immediate treatment. In most cases, open surgery is the treatment of choice. Despite the continuous development of minimally invasive techniques, surgical treatment remains the only effective treatment method. Depending on the cyst localization and technical possibilities, pancreatectomy or marsupialization can be applied, and both of them have low complication and mortality rates.

Managing complications of chronic pancreatitis: a guide for the gastroenterologist

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pancreatitis is a heterogeneous and complex syndrome that, in most cases, causes pain as a cardinal symptom and affects both the morphology and function of the pancreas, leading to several serious complications.

AREAS COVERED

The present review, based on a non-systematic PubMed search updated to June 2023, aims to present the current available evidence on the role of gastroenterologists in the diagnosis and treatment of both local and systemic complications by either endoscopic or medical treatments.

EXPERT OPINION

At diagnosis and during chronic pancreatitis follow-up, particular care is needed to consider not only the clinically manifest signs and symptoms of the disease, such as pain, jaundice, gastrointestinal obstruction, and pseudocysts, which require multidisciplinary discussion to establish the best treatment option (endoscopic or surgical), but also less evident systemic complications. Pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, together with chronic inflammation, addiction, and dysbiosis, contribute to malnutrition, sarcopenia, and osteopathy. These complications, in turn, increase the risk of infection, thromboembolic events, and death. Patients with chronic pancreatitis also have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders and pancreatic cancer onset. Overall, patients with chronic pancreatitis should receive a holistic evaluation, considering all these aspects, possibly through multidisciplinary care in dedicated expert centers.

Approach to Cystic Lesions of the Pancreas: Review of Literature

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) have a wide range of demographical, clinical, morphological and histological characteristics. The distinction between these lesions is of paramount importance due to the risk of malignancy in specific categories of PCL. Considering the malignant potential for pancreatic cystic neoplasm (PCN) lesions, guidelines have been made to balance unnecessary treatment and manage the progression to malignancy. Various surgical procedures can be done for PCN depending on the location and size of the cyst; pancreatoduodenectomy is done for PCN located in the head of the uncinate process, whereas distal pancreatectomy is done for PCN in the body or tail. In the neck and proximal body of the pancreas, less extensive resections such as central pancreatectomy can be performed. Active surveillance of PCN is typically offered to asymptomatic PCNs of subtype intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) without any concerning features. In recent years, numerous guidelines have been created to augment PCN diagnosis, classification and management. Despite this, the management of PCNs remains complex. Thus, discussions with multidisciplinary teams involving surgeons, gastroenterologists, pathologists, and radiologists are required to ensure optimum care for the patient.

Spontaneous Cystogastrostomy: A Natural Response

Pancreatic pseudocysts are a common complication of pancreatitis. Conservative management and repeat imaging are appropriate to monitor spontaneous regression. However, in some cases, rupture and haemorrhage of pseudocysts can lead to life-threatening events requiring urgent intervention. We present a male patient in his 30s who was presented to the emergency department with severe pancreatitis in the context of alcohol excess. Past medical history included pancreatitis with a small pseudocyst and splenic vein thrombosis for which he was anticoagulated six weeks previously. Computer tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed an interval increase in his pseudocyst with haemorrhage secondary to a suspected splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. He was admitted for attempted embolisation and observation. Serial imaging demonstrated progression of the pancreatic pseudocyst and then spontaneous interval decompression via a transgastric fistula, leading to a natural cystogastrostomy confirmed on subsequent endoscopy. We discuss the uncommon sequelae of a complication of pancreatitis, and consider the hypotheses related to this rare occurrence, with suggestions for management and follow-up of these patients.

Endoscopic Management of Complications in Chronic Pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of complications in patients with chronic pancreatitis is often suboptimal. This review discusses detailed endoscopic approaches for managing complications in CP.

LITERATURE FINDINGS

CP is characterized by progressive and irreversible destruction of pancreatic parenchyma and ductal system resulting in fibrosis, scarring, and loss of glandular function. Abdominal pain remains is the most common symptom of the disease and the main aim of medical, endoscopic, and surgical therapy is to help relieve symptoms, prevent disease progression, and manage complications related to CP. In fact, advances in our understanding of CP have improved medical care and quality of life in these patients. With significant sequela, morbidity and a progressive nature, a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology, natural course, diagnostic approaches, and optimal management strategies for this disease is warranted. The existing modalities and new innovations in this field are safe, effective, and likely to have a positive impact on management of complication in CP whenever used in the right context.

A rare case of tropical chronic pancreatitis with giant pseudocyst: Case report

Background/objective

Tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP) is common in developing countries and is defined as a juvenile form of chronic calcific non-alcoholic pancreatitis. Pseudocysts occur in 20-40% of chronic pancreatitis. TCP with pseudocyst has not been reported yet, so we represent this rare case to broaden the horizons regarding pancreatitis.

Case presentation

A 16-year-old woman suffered a painful lump in the upper abdomen. She came from a low-income family and frequently consumed cassava. There was intolerance of glucose in which admission blood sugar level of the patient increased by 179 mg/dl. An abdominal CT scan showed a mass around the pancreas, 20 cm in diameter, and located in retro-gastric. There were multiple ductal calculi along the major pancreatic duct with the largest stone was 3 cm in the pancreatic head. Longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy (Partington-Rochelle procedure) has been performed and histopathological results appropriate with a pancreatic pseudocyst.

Clinical discussion

TCP with a giant pseudocyst is an interesting case report that has not been reported yet. This case met the clinical characteristics of TCP, such as young women, malnourished, history of cassava consumption, abdominal pain, and intolerance of glucose. A surgical intervention provides a satisfactory result to the patient.

Conclusion

Tropical chronic pancreatitis is a rare case. A pseudocyst adds the uniqueness of this case that has never been reported before. Appropriate management can provide satisfactory results and improve the quality of life for patients.

[Treatment strategy for complicated pancreatic pseudocysts]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze an effectiveness of various surgical approaches for complicated pancreatic pseudocysts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The results of surgical treatment were analyzed in 188 patients with complicated pancreatic pseudocysts. The study included patients with one of complications of pseudocyst (infection, bleeding, compression of adjacent organs, perforation). Depending on surgical treatment, patients were divided into 2 groups: the 1^st group (76 patients) - laparotomy followed by certain open surgery, the 2^nd group (112 patients) - various minimally invasive treatments without further open operations.

RESULTS

Effectiveness of surgical treatment was analyzed considering incidence of complications (postoperative wound suppuration, pneumonia, sepsis, multiple organ failure) and mortality. In the 1^st group, postoperative wound suppuration - 22 (29%) patients, pneumonia - 17 (22.4%), sepsis - 14 (18.4%) patients, multiple organ failure - 14 (18.4%), 15 (19.8%) patients died. In the 2^nd group, these values significantly differed: postoperative wound suppuration - 9 (8%), pneumonia - 5 (4.3%), sepsis - 1 (0.9%), multiple organ failure - 4 (3.5%), 1 (0.9%) patient died.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive measures are the most optimal for any complication of pancreatic pseudocyst. Laparotomy is indicated if minimally invasive intervention is impossible for certain reason. It is advisable to concentrate these patients in specialized centers.

Triple guidance of choledochoscopy, ultrasonography, and computed tomography facilitates percutaneous catheter drainage of infected walled-off necrosis

Objectives

Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) is usually performed to treat acute pancreatitis complicated by infected walled-off necrosis (WON). Insufficient drainage of infected WON may lead to a prolonged recovery process. Here, we introduce a modified PCD strategy that uses the triple guidance of choledochoscopy, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CUC-PCD) to improve the therapeutic efficiency.

Methods

This study retrospectively analysed 73 patients with acute pancreatitis-related WON from January 2015 to January 2021. The first 38 patients were treated by ultrasonography/computed tomography-guided PCD (UC-PCD), and the next consecutive 35 patients by CUC-PCD. Perioperative data, procedural technical information, treatment outcomes, and follow-up data were collected.

Results

Demographic characteristics were statistically comparable between the two treatment groups (p > 0.05). After 48 h of PCD treatment, the CUC-PCD group achieved a significantly smaller size of the infected WON (p = 0.023), lower inflammatory response indexes (p = 0.020 for white blood cells, and p = 0.031 for C-reactive protein), and severity scores than the UC-PCD group (p < 0.05). Less catheter duration (p = 0.001), hospitalisation duration (p = 0.000), and global costs (p = 0.000) were observed in the CUC-PCD group compared to the UC-PCD group. There were no differences between the two groups regarding the rate of complications.

Conclusions

CUC-PCD is a safe and efficient approach with potential clinical applicability for treating infected WON owing to its feasibility in placing the drainage catheter at the optimal location in real time and performing primary necrosectomy without sinus tract formation and enlargement.

Endoscopic Versus Laparoscopic Treatment for Pancreatic Pseudocysts: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment for pancreatic pseudocysts (PPCs) compared with laparoscopic treatment.

METHODS

The Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Chinese citation database, and WANFANG database were systematically searched to identify all comparative trials investigating endoscopic versus laparoscopic treatment for PPC. The main outcome measures included treatment success rate, adverse events, recurrence rate, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay.

RESULTS

Six studies with 301 participants were included. The results suggested that there was no difference in rates of treatment success (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-2.01; P = 0.79), adverse events (OR, 0.80, 95% CI, 0.38-1.70; P = 0.57), or recurrence (OR, 0.55, 95% CI, 0.22-1.40; P = 0.21) between endoscopic and laparoscopic treatments. However, the endoscopic group exhibited reduced operation time (weighted mean difference [WMD], -67.11; 95% CI, -77.27 to -56.96; P < 0.001), intraoperative blood loss (WMD, -65.23; 95% CI, -103.38 to -27.08; P < 0.001), and hospital stay (WMD, -2.45; 95% CI, -4.74 to -0.16; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic treatment might be suitable for PPC patients.

Utility of endoscopic transpapillary pancreatic cyst drainage for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm infection

A 61-year-old woman with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) infection, who was treated with antibiotics, developed IPMN reinfection with febrile epigastric pain and was febrile. CT showed that the diameter of the IPMN had grown and hardened, with thickening of the cyst wall. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography was then performed and a nasopancreatic cyst drainage tube was placed into the cyst. Symptoms and inflammatory findings improved considerably 17 days after endoscopic drainage. Few reports and evidence have been found regarding IPMN infections, and the frequency of onset, route of infection and optimal drainage method remain unknown. This study indicated that endoscopic transpapillary pancreatic cyst drainage was effective and is highly recommended for IPMN infection.

CT Image Changes of Severe Acute Pancreatitis Based on Smart Electronic Medical Augmented Reality in Nursing Practice

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is traditionally treated with chemical analysis. Faced with the increasing maturity of CT imaging technology, it is necessary to use more advantageous CT imaging to treat SAP. In this article, 72 SAP patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University were selected for study, of which 62 were severely ill, 8 were exacerbated, and 2 changed from severe to mild. This article combines the patient's case records and related CT images during treatment from the perspective of nursing and conducts nursing research on the application of CT image changes in severe acute pancreatitis in nursing practice. CT image processing uses CT imaging system workstation (DICOM). The results of the study showed that, in the care of patients, 21 cases had recurrence after internal drainage, and the cure rate was 91.1%. Internal drainage is an effective way to treat SAP. The higher the incidence of pancreatitis, the more likely it is to relapse after SAP internal drainage, which may be related to repeated episodes of pancreatitis and repeated inflammation of the pancreas and pancreatic duct damage. 4 of the relapsed cases in this article are postchronic pancreatitis SAP, and the relapsed cases account for 50% of the chronic pancreatic cases. This may be due to chronic fibrosis of the branched and main pancreatic ducts, continuous abnormal pancreatic juice drainage. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the prognosis of different causes of SAP. In terms of complication care, the overall complication rate was 16.6%. One patient died of postoperative hemorrhage. Analysis of the causes of cyst recurrence and complications may be closely related to the mechanism of the occurrence and development of SAP. The initiating factor of SAP is that the pancreatic tissue is damaged due to inflammation, trauma, or microcirculation disorder, and then the pancreatic juice leaks out of the pancreas, wrapping the pancreatic juice; it takes a certain time for the capsule of fibrous knot tissue to form and strengthen.

Medical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: A Position Paper by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Pancreas Committee

ABSTRACT

This position paper summarizes the current understanding of the medical management of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children in light of the existing medical literature, incorporating recent advances in understanding of nutrition, pain, lifestyle considerations, and sequelae of CP. This article complements and is intended to integrate with parallel position papers on endoscopic and surgical aspects of CP in children. Concepts and controversies related to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), the use of antioxidants and other CP medical therapies are also reviewed. Highlights include inclusion of tools for medical decision-making for PERT, CP-related diabetes, and multimodal pain management (including an analgesia ladder). Gaps in our understanding of CP in children and avenues for further investigations are also reviewed.

Pancreatic pseudocyst: Dilemma of its recent management (Review)

Advances in radiological techniques have led to an increase in the number of diagnoses of pancreatic pseudocyst, which is the most common pancreatic cyst lesion disease, accounting for two-thirds of all pancreatic cyst lesions. Historically, the management of pancreatic pseudocyst has been achieved through the use of conservative treatments and surgery; however, due to the complications and recurrence rate associated with these techniques, the management of pancreatic pseudocyst is challenging. Surgeons and gastroenterologists have attempted to determine the optimal management technique to treat pancreatic pseudocyst to reduce complications and the recurrence rate. From these investigations, percutaneous catheter, surgical and endoscopic drainage with ultrasonography guidance have become promising management techniques. The present review aimed to summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic methods used for the management of pancreatic pseudocyst and to compare percutaneous catheter, surgical and endoscopic drainage.

Perceptions of genetic testing in patients with hereditary chronic pancreatitis and their families: a qualitative triangulation

Hereditary chronic pancreatitis (HCP) is a genetically determined condition characterized by intermittent acute episodes of pancreatitis and long-term impairment of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic functions. Genetic test results can have substantial psychological and social consequences for the individuals tested and their families. Nevertheless, little is known so far about the subjective experience of individuals genetically tested for HCP. This qualitative study examines the viewpoints of HCP patients and their relatives in order to identify the psychosocial and ethical implications related to genetic testing within families. Semi-structured qualitative individual interviews and a focus group with HCP patients and their family members were conducted. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. A total of 28 individuals were enrolled in the study: 24 individuals (17 patients, 7 relatives) were interviewed in semi-structured one-on-one interviews and 4 individuals (2 patients, 2 life partners) participated in the focus group. Emerging topics covered (1) genetic testing in childhood, (2) genetic testing within the family and (3) family planning. The study reveals that genetic testing for HCP has a wide influence in familial contexts and is accompanied by normative issues, such as autonomy, reproductive decisions and sharing of information within the family. The results raise the awareness of the complexity of family contexts: familial relationships and dynamics can have great influence on the individual decisions related to genetic testing. Increased understanding of these relational contexts can help health professionals, for example, in counselling, to discuss genetic testing better with patients and families.

Classification of Early-Onset and Late-Onset Idiopathic Chronic Pancreatitis Needs Reconsideration

Bimodal classification of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP) into early-onset (<35 years) and late-onset (>35 years) ICP was proposed in 1994 based on a study of 66 patients. However, bimodal distribution wasn’t sufficiently demonstrated. Our objective was to examine the validity and relevance of the age-based bimodal classification of ICP. We analyzed the distribution of age at onset of ICP in our cohort of 1633 patients admitted to our center from January 2000 to December 2013. Classify ICP patients into early-onset ICP_(a) and late-onset ICP_(a) according to different cut-off values (cut-off value, a = 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65 years old) for age at onset. Compare clinical characteristics of early-onset ICP_(a) and late-onset ICP_(a). We found slightly right skewed distribution of age at onset for ICP in our cohort. There were differences between early-onset and late-onset ICP with respect to basic clinical characteristics and development of key clinical events regardless of the cut off age at onset i.e. 15, 25, 35, 45 or even higher. The validity of the bimodal classification of early-onset and late-onset ICP could not be established in our large patient cohort and therefore such a classification needs to be reconsidered.

Pancreatic abscess within hepato-gastric ligament: case report of an extremely rare disease

Background

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a very common benign cystic lesion of the pancreas. It develops in 5–15% of patients with peri-pancreatic fluid collection following acute pancreatitis. Collection usually occurs within the lesser sac of the omentum (near the pancreatic head and body region). But in 20–22% cases, that may be extra-pancreatic like in the mediastinum, pleura, in the peritoneal cavity including the pelvis. The pancreatic pseudocyst typically contains brownish fluid with necrotic tissue sludge which may get infected giving rise to infected pseudocyst or pancreatic abscess. The present case is an unusual condition of a young alcoholic subject who was finally diagnosed as a case of a pancreatic abscess within hepato-gastric ligament and was managed with operative intervention.

To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the first-ever reported case of a pancreatic abscess within the hepato-gastric ligament in the world. Literature was reviewed to explore potential etiopathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of this extremely rare condition.

Case presentation

A 38 years old gentleman, chronic alcoholic, having a previous history of acute pancreatitis 3 months back, presented with fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit) and a huge [20 cm (horizontal) X 15 cm (vertical)] severely painful swelling in the epigastric region. The swelling was round-shaped, intra-abdominal, fixed to deeper tissue, tense-cystic, poorly trans-illuminant, non-pulsatile and irreducible. Routine blood tests showed leucocytosis (14,500/mm³) with neutrophilia and elevated plasma pancreatic amylase and lipase levels. USG and MDCT scan of the whole abdomen revealed a thick-walled echogenic cystic swelling of size 18 cm × 12 cm in the epigastric region. USG guided aspiration of the cyst revealed mixed purulent brownish fluid. The cyst fluid was negative for mucin stain and contained high amylase level with low CEA level, suggesting infected pancreatic pseudocyst.

An open drainage procedure was considered through an upper midline laparotomy. Aspiration of the pus mixed cyst fluid along with tissue debris was done. Through irrigation of the cyst was done with normal saline. The cyst wall was de-roofed leaving a small part adherent to the inferior surface of the left lobe of the liver. Later the cyst fluid culture showed significant growth of Escherichia coli. He was put on IV antibiotics. The patient was discharged in a stable condition after 5 days. The histopathological examination confirmed pancreatic abscess.

Six months after the operation, the patient is doing well, remaining asymptomatic and there is no sign of recurrence.

Conclusions

Due to extreme rarity, pancreatic abscess formation within hepato-gastric ligament may be a diagnostic dilemma and requires a high index of suspicion. Surgeons should be aware of this rare clinical entity for prompt management of potential morbidity.

Walled-off Peripancreatic Fluid Collections in Asian Population: Paradigm Shift from Surgical and Percutaneous to Endoscopic Drainage

Background and Objectives

Drainage of symptomatic walled-off peripancreatic fluid collections (WPFCs) can be achieved by endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical techniques. The aim of this study was to determine the current trends in management of WPFCs and the outcome of such modalities in Asian population.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, all patients diagnosed with pancreatitis from 2013 to 2016 in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, were analyzed. Relevant clinical data of all patients with peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) was reviewed. Clinical success was defined as improvement in symptoms after drainage.

Results

Of the total 636 patients with pancreatitis, 72 (11.3%) had WPFCs, of which 55 (8.6%) and 17 (2.7%) had pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) and walled-off necrosis (WON), respectively. The commonest etiologies of WPFCs were alcohol (38.9%) and biliary stone (29.2%). Post-procedure and pancreatic tumor related pancreatitis was found in 8.3% and 6.9% patients, respectively. PP was more common in chronic (27.8%) than acute (5.5%) pancreatitis. Of the 72 patients with WPFCs, 31 (43.1%) had local complications. Supportive, endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical drainage were employed in 58.3%, 27.8%, 8.3%, and 5.6% with success rates being 100%, 100%, 50%, and 100%, respectively. Complications that developed after percutaneous drainage included bleeding at procedure site (n = 1), infection of PFC (n = 1), and pancreatic duct leakage (n = 1).

Conclusion

Over the past few years, endoscopic drainage has become the most common route of drainage of WPFCs followed by percutaneous and surgical routes. The success rate of endoscopic route is better than percutaneous and comparable to surgical modality.

Endoscopic versus laparoscopic drainage of pseudocyst and walled-off necrosis following acute pancreatitis: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) may develop following acute pancreatitis (AP). Endoscopic and laparoscopic internal drainage are accepted modalities for drainage of PFCs but have not been compared in a randomized trial. Our objective was to compare endoscopic and laparoscopic internal drainage of pseudocyst/walled-off necrosis following AP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with symptomatic pseudocysts or walled-off necrosis suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic transmural internal drainage were randomized to either modality in a randomized controlled trial. Endoscopic drainage comprised of per-oral transluminal cystogastrostomy. Additionally, endoscopic lavage and necrosectomy were done following a step-up approach for infected collections. Surgical laparoscopic cystogastrostomy was done for drainage, lavage, and necrosectomy. Primary outcome was resolution of PFCs by the intended modality and secondary outcome was complications.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were randomized, 30 each to laparoscopic and endoscopic drainage. Both groups were comparable for baseline characteristics. The initial success rate was 83.3% in the laparoscopic and 76.6% in the endoscopic group (p = 0.7) after the index intervention. The overall success rate of 93.3% (28/30) and 90% (27/30) in the laparoscopic and endoscopic groups respectively was also similar (p = 1.0). Two patients in the laparoscopic group required endoscopic cystogastrostomy for persistent collections. Similarly, two patients in the endoscopic group required laparoscopic drainage. Postoperative complications were comparable between the groups except for higher post-procedure infection in the endoscopic group (19 vs. 9; p = 0.01) requiring endoscopic re-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques have similar efficacy for internal drainage of suitable pancreatic fluid collections with < 30% debris. The choice of procedure should depend on available expertise and patient preference.

Etiology and Risk Factors of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

Based on the recognition of common etiological and genetic risk factors, acute and chronic pancreatitis are increasingly regarded as a continuum of the same disease, with a significant overlap of clinical manifestations and phenotypes but distinct morphological and imaging appearances. Recent population-based and cohort studies have found that tobacco smoke conveys a greater risk than immoderate alcohol consumption for the development of chronic pancreatitis, and hypertriglyceridemia has been identified as a risk factor for acute pancreatitis - even when plasma levels are only mildly elevated. Hereditary pancreatitis, in its autosomal dominant form, is associated with mutations in the cationic trypsinogen gene (PRSS1), whereas a number of germline variations in other genes have been found to represent risk factors for chronic as well as acute pancreatitis. For now, most of these involve the pancreatic digestive protease/antiprotease system. Oftentimes, affected patients are burdened with multiple or accumulating risk factors, and genetic traits when combined with environmental toxins compound the chance of developing the disease. Determining the underlying etiology of pancreatitis is worth the effort since formerly intractable varieties such as autoimmune pancreatitis are now becoming increasingly treatable, and subtype-specific therapeutic modalities may become available.

[Endoscopic and surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis]

With an increasing number of hospital admissions, an average of 16-to 20 days in hospital per year, 34% of patients constantly taking pain medication, 57% in need of enzyme supplementation, and 29% with diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating disease of high socio-economic relevance. In total, 33% of all patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis can no longer practice their original profession. The number of unemployed chronic pancreatitis patients due to prolonged stays in hospital or continued alcohol abuse is known to be as high as 40%. Continued alcohol abuse with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.6, smoking with a HR of 1.4, and the presence of liver cirrhosis with a HR of 2.5 negatively affects the prognosis of chronic pancreatitis. In a patient cohort burdened with high co-morbidity, endoscopic therapy can provide short-term relief of symptoms. Endotherapy is the first line of management in chronic pancreatitis with symptomatic pancreatobiliary ductal obstruction. Further studies are required in certain key areas such as the use of fully covered self-expanding metallic stents for pancreatic ductal and biliary strictures. Long-term success rates can mainly be achieved by surgical procedures, which can be performed with acceptable morbidity in pancreatic centers. The current review focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of endoscopic and surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Algorithm for the multidisciplinary management of hemorrhage in EUS-guided drainage for pancreatic fluid collections

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), common sequelae of acute or chronic pancreatitis, are broadly classified as pancreatic pseudocysts or walled-off necrosis according to the revised Atlanta classification. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is often considered a standard first-line therapy preferable to surgical or interventional radiology approaches for patients with symptomatic PFC. EUS-guided drainage is effective and successful; it has a technical success rate of 90%-100% and a clinical success rate of 85%-98%. Recent studies have shown a 5%-30% adverse events (AEs) rate for the procedure. The most common AEs include infection, hemorrhage, perforation and stent migration. Hemorrhage, a severe and sometimes deadly outcome, requires a well-organized and appropriate treatment strategy. However, few studies have reported the integrated management of hemorrhage during EUS-guided drainage of PFC. Establishing a practical therapeutic strategy is an essential and significant step in standardized management. The aim of this review is to describe the current situation of EUS-guided drainage of PFCs, including the etiology and treatment of procedure-related bleeding as well as current problems and future perspectives. We propose a novel and meaningful algorithm for systematically managing hemorrhage events. To our limited knowledge, a multidisciplinary algorithm for managing EUS-guided drainage for PFC-related bleeding has not been previously reported.

Diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for chronic pancreatitis. Recommendations of the Working Group of the Polish Society of Gastroenterology and the Polish Pancreas Club

This article describes the latest diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations in chronic pancreatitis, developed by the Working Group of the Polish Society of Gastroenterology and the Polish Pancreas Club. The recommendations refer to the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, conservative management, treatment of pain, and exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, treatment of chronic pancreatitis by endoscopic and surgical methods, and oncological surveillance of chronic pancreatitis. This paper refers to the Polish recommendations published in 2011, which have been updated and supplemented. All recommendations were voted by experts of the Polish Society of Gastroenterology and the Polish Pancreas Club, who evaluated them each time on a five-degree scale, where I meant full acceptance, II – acceptance with some reservation, III – acceptance with serious reservation, IV – rejection with some reservation and V – full rejection. The results of the voting, together with a brief commentary, have been included with each recommendation put to the vote. In addition, the expert group assessed the value of clinical studies on which the statements are based, on a scale where A means high (based on meta-analyses and randomised clinical trials), B means medium (based on clinical trials and observational studies), and C means low (based mainly on expert opinion).

Treatment of retrogastric pancreatic pseudocysts by laparoscopic transgastric cystogastrostomy

This paper discusses variations of laparoscopic transgastric cystogastrostomy in management of retrogastric pancreatic pseudocysts for 8 patients with symptom or pseudocysts (larger than 6 cm) companied with clinical manifestations. Using a Harmonic scalpel, two 3-5-cm incisions were made in the anterior and posterior gastric wall respectively. In the last step, the anterior gastrotomy was closed with an Endo-GIA stapler. All cases were successfully treated without large blood loss and without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 114.29±19.24 min, blood loss was 157.14±78.70 mL, and mean hospital stay was 8.29±2.98 days. Gastric fistula occurred in one case on the postoperative day 7, and closed 1 month later. No bleeding was seen in all patients during the perioperative follow-up period. CT scans, given one month after the surgeries, displayed that the pancreatic pseudocysts disappeared or decreased in size, and ultrasounds showed no fluid or food residue in stomas at the third and fifth month following surgery. No patient experienced a recurrence during the follow-up period. Transgastric laparoscopic cystogastrostomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure with a high rate of success and a low rate of recurrence, accompanied by rapid recovery. It is easy to master, safe to perform and may be the preferred option to treat retrogastric pancreatic pseudocysts.

Prognostic factors of response to endoscopic treatment in painful chronic pancreatitis

AIM

To evaluate the endoscopic treatment efficacy and prognostic factors of long-term response to treatment for painful chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis identified 168 patients with painful chronic pancreatitis hospitalized during January 2010-January 2015 in a Romanian tertiary referral center. Data on demographics, medical history, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, clinical parameters, type and number of endoscopic procedures and hospital admissions number were collected from the medical charts and analyzed. The absence or substantial reduction of pain (mild pain) at the end of the follow-up associated with the technical success of endotherapy was considered as clinical success.

RESULTS

Among the 168 patients with painful chronic pancreatitis admitted to our department during the study period, 39 (23.21%) had optimal response to the medical therapy. One hundred and twenty-nine patients required endoscopic treatment. The median follow-up period was 15 mo (range, 0-60 mo). Overall, technical success of endotherapy was achieved in 105 patients (81.39%). More than two-thirds of patients (82.78%) had substantial improvement of pain after the endoscopic treatment, including frequency and severity of the pain attacks. Patients younger than 40 years had significantly more successful endoscopic procedures (P = 0.041). Clinical success was higher in non-smoking patients (P = 0.003). The hospital admission rate was higher in patients with recognized alcohol consumption (P = 0.03) and in smokers (P = 0.027). The number and location of pancreatic stones and locations of strictures did not significantly influence the technical success (P > 0.05) or the clinical success (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Younger age than 40 years can be considered an important factor positively influencing endoscopic treatment outcome in patients with painful chronic pancreatitis.

Management of pancreatic pseudocysts-A retrospective analysis

Background

Pancreatic pseudocysts arise mostly in patients with alcohol induced chronic pancreatitis causing various symptoms and complications. However, data on the optimal management are rare. To address this problem, we analysed patients with pancreatic pseudocysts treated at our clinic retrospectively.

Methods

We searched our clinical database for the diagnosis pancreatitis from 2004 till 2014, selected patients with pseudocysts larger than 10 mm and entered all relevant information in a database for statistical analysis.

Results

In total, 129 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts were treated at our institution during the study period. Most patients suffered from alcohol induced chronic pancreatitis (43.4%; 56/129). Pseudocysts were more frequent in female than in male (2:1) and were mainly located in the pancreatic head (47.3%; 61/129). Local complications like obstructive jaundice were associated with the diameter of the cysts (AUC 0.697 in ROC-curve analysis). However, even cysts up to a diameter of 160 mm can regress spontaneously. Besides a lower re-intervention rate in surgically treated patients, endoscopic, percutaneous and surgical drainage are equally effective. Most treatment related complications occur in large pseudocysts located in the pancreatic head.

Conclusion

Conservative management of large pseudocysts is successful in many patients. Therefore, indication for treatment should be made carefully considering the presence and risk of local complications. Endoscopic and surgical drainage are equally effective.

Endoscopic Therapies for Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a fibroinflammatory disease of the pancreas leading to varying degrees of endocrine and exocrine dysfunction. Treatment options are generally designed to control the pain of chronic pancreatitis, and endoscopic therapy is one of the main treatment modalities. Herein, we describe the endoscopic management of pancreatic duct calculi and strictures, entrapment of the intrapancreatic bile duct, celiac plexus interventions, and drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts.

[Diagnostic strategy and differential therapeutic approach for cystic lesions of the pancreas]

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE

Cystic pancreatic lesions (CPL) are diagnosed with increasing frequency. Because up to 60% of CPL are classified as malignant or premalignant, every CPL should be fully investigated and clarified. Serous CPL with low risk of malignancy must be differentiated from mucinous CPL with relevant potential malignancy (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) as well as from harmless pseudocysts.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

Cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in the diagnostics of CPL.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

An algorithm for the differential diagnostic classification of CPL is presented.

PERFORMANCE

The connection to the pancreatic duct is the key diagnostic criterion to differentiate IPMN from all other CPL. An exception to this rule is that pseudocysts can also show a connection to the pancreatic duct. A further classification of CPL with no connection to the pancreatic duct can be made by morphological criteria and correlation of the radiological findings with patient age, sex, history and symptoms.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Depending on the diagnosis and hence the malignant potential the indications for surgery or watch and wait have to be discussed in an interdisciplinary cooperation. Due to its higher soft tissue contrast MRI is often superior to CT for depiction of CPL morphology.

A Case of a Chronic Pancreatic Pseudocyst Causing Atraumatic Splenic Rupture without Evidence of Acute Pancreatitis

Atraumatic splenic rupture is a rare complication of a pancreatic pseudocyst (PP), described in the setting of chronic pancreatitis. There is common understanding, within the literature, that an inflammatory process at the tail of the pancreas may disrupt the spleen and result in such splenic complications. The authors present a case report of a 29-year-old male with a PP, associated with chronic pancreatitis. The patient had a history of excessive alcohol intake and presented to the emergency department with a short history of abdominal pain and vomiting. He denied any significant history of trauma and serum amylase levels were normal. An admission computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen confirmed the presence of a PP in direct contact with the spleen. The CT also demonstrated a heterogenous hypodense area of the splenic hilum, along with perisplenic fluid. The patient was admitted for observation. His abdominal pain progressed, and he became haemodynamically unstable. An emergency ultrasound scan (USS) at this time revealed intra-abdominal haemorrhage. A subsequent CT confirmed splenic rupture, which was managed surgically with a full recovery. Few such cases are documented within the literature and more understanding of preempting such events is needed.

Decision Making in Necrotizing Pancreatitis

The management of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) has undergone a change of paradigms during the last 2 decades with a decreasing impact of surgical interventions. Modern ANP management is done conservatively as long as possible and therapeutic approaches aim at volume resuscitation, pain management and early enteral nutrition. The diagnostic gold standard of contrast-enhanced CT scan helps to evaluate the extent of necrosis of the pancreas, which correlates with the risk of tissue infection. The crucial point for decision making is the proven existence of infected pancreatic necrosis. This can be achieved by diagnostic needle aspiration of the necrotic material and staining to prove bacterial and/or fungal infection. In case of infected necrosis - besides calculated antimicrobial treatment - an interventional or surgical approach is required to prevent systemic septic progression of the disease. As the first step, percutaneous interventional drainage and spilling of the necrosis are preferable. In case of insufficient clearing of the infectious focus, a step-up approach must be considered, which implies a retroperitoneoscopic or transabdominal minimally invasive necrosectomy and drain placement. Postoperatively, a continuous lavage should be performed using these drains. In case of further deterioration of the patient or development of associated intra-abdominal complications (e.g. bowel perforation or uncontrolled bleeding), an open surgical intervention must always be regarded as a salvage therapy and this offers the possibility to control complications and perform a further necrosectomy and extensive lavage for focus control. However, associated morbidity (e.g. pancreatic fistula, fluid collections, pseudocysts) is about 50-60% and mortality up to 20%. In summary, ANP is managed primarily by a conservative therapy. In case of infected necrosis, interventional and minimally invasive approaches are the therapy of choice. Open surgery should be considered for patients deteriorating despite other measures and should be postponed as long as possible.

Spontaneous Rupture of Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Report of Two Cases

Introduction. Pancreatic pseudocysts are a common complication of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic pseudocyst's natural history ranges between its spontaneous regression and the settlement of serious complications if untreated, such as splenic complications, hemorrhage, infection, biliary complications, portal hypertension, and rupture. The rupture of a pancreatic pseudocyst to the peritoneal cavity is a dangerous complication leading to severe peritonitis and septic conditions. It requires emergent surgical exploration that is often of great technical difficulty and with important morbidity and mortality. Case Study. We present two cases of spontaneous rupture of pancreatic pseudocysts, managed differently according to the local and systemic conditions. Conclusion. The best surgical choice is the internal drainage of the cyst to the GI tract; however, in some conditions, the external drainage is the only choice available.

[Chronic pancreatitis. Operation indications and procedures]

Chronic pancreatitis can lead to intractable pain, pancreatic duct obstruction, duodenal stenosis and vascular compression syndromes. Surgical interventions can effectively treat these symptoms. Endoscopic procedures are principally possible but rarely lead to a lasting relief of symptoms. The type of surgical intervention should be selected depending on the morphological changes of the pancreas. Up to 90 % of patients present with an inflammatory mass in the head of the pancreas. In these cases a duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) modified according to Beger, Frey or Berne should be preferred. These procedures are comparable in terms of the postoperative course. The Kausch-Whipple procedure is indicated in all cases where malignancy is suspected. According to the current literature, patients with an inflammatory mass in the pancreatic head benefit more from a DPPHR than a Kausch-Whipple procedure. Drainage procedures may be useful for the treatment of pseudocysts or in rare situations with purely ductal obstructions. The decision as to which procedure is appropriate should be taken in an interdisciplinary cooperation between gastroenterologists and surgeons.

Successful surgical internal drainage of postoperative pancreatic pseudocyst through pancreaticojejunostomy with distal pancreatectomy: a case report

Pancreatic pseudocyst is usually treated by percutaneous external drainage, endoscopic internal or external drainage, or surgical internal drainage such as cystogastrostomy. Surgical external drainage is an option if these procedures fail. We describe a case of a 70-year-old man with a pancreatic body pseudocyst that developed postoperatively. It was improved by endoscopic external drainage, and the stent was changed to an internal stent. However, surgery was required as the pseudocyst grew again. A direct approach to the pseudocyst was not possible because of severe adhesion. A distal pancreatectomy with pancreaticojejunostomy was performed, and an external pancreatic stent tube was inserted from the cut end into the duodenum to drain the pseudocyst. One month later, the pseudocyst disappeared, and the stent was removed.

Diagnosis and management of cystic lesions of the pancreas

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are being increasingly identified in recent years. They show a wide spectrum of imaging and clinical features. The diagnosis and discrimination of these lesions are very important because of the risk for concurrent or later development of malignancy. PCLs are usually first diagnosed and characterized by conventional imaging modalities such as trans-abdominal ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, their ability to differentiate the benign and malignant lesions remains limited. Endoscopic US may be more helpful for the diagnosis and differentiation of PCLs because of its high resolution and better imaging characteristics than cross-sectional imaging modalities. It also allows for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of cystic lesions for biochemical, cytological and DNA analysis that might be further helpful for diagnosis and differentiation. The management options of PCLs are to observe, endoscopic treatment or surgical resection. However, the decision for management is sometimes hampered by limitations in current diagnostic and tissue sampling techniques. As further diagnostic and non-invasive management options become available, clinical decision-making will become much easier for these lesions.

Minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts

A pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC) is typically a complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis, trauma or pancreatic duct obstruction. The diagnosis of PPC can be made if an acute fluid collection persists for 4 to 6 wk and is enveloped by a distinct wall. Most PPCs regress spontaneously and require no treatment, whereas some may persist and progress until complications occur. The decision whether to treat a patient who has a PPC, as well as when and with what treatment modalities, is a difficult one. PPCs can be treated with a variety of methods: percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD), endoscopic transpapillary or transmural drainage, laparoscopic surgery, or open pseudocystoenterostomy. The recent trend in the management of symptomatic PPC has moved toward less invasive approaches such as endoscopic- and image-guided PCD. The endoscopic approach is suitable because most PPCs lie adjacent to the stomach. The major advantage of the endoscopic approach is that it creates a permanent pseudocysto-gastric track with no spillage of pancreatic enzymes. However, given the drainage problems, the monitoring, catheter manipulation and the analysis of cystic content are very difficult or impossible to perform endoscopically, unlike in the PCD approach. Several conditions must be met to achieve the complete obliteration of the cyst cavity.

Pancreatic duct anatomy is an important factor in the prognosis of the treatment outcome, and the recovery of disrupted pancreatic ducts is the main prognostic factor for successful treatment of PPC, regardless of the treatment method used. In this article, we review and evaluate the minimally invasive approaches in the management of PPCs.

[Chronic pancreatitis. Evidence based management guidelines of the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group]

Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease associated with structural and functional damage of the pancreas. In most cases pain, maldigestion and weight loss are the leading symptoms, which significantly worsen the quality of life. Correct diagnosis and differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and treatment of these patients requires up-to-date and evidence based treatment guidelines. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group proposed to prepare an evidence based guideline based on the available international guidelines and evidence. The preparatory and consultation task force appointed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group translated and complemented and/or modified the international guidelines if it was necessary. 123 relevant clinical questions in 11 topics were defined. Evidence was classified according to the UpToDate® grading system. The draft of the guidelines were presented and discussed at the consensus meeting in September 12, 2014. All clinical questions were accepted with total or strong agreement. The present guideline is the first evidence based guideline for chronic pancreatitis in Hungary. This guideline provides very important and helpful data for tuition, everyday practice and proper financing of chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, the authors believe that these guidelines will widely become a basic reference in Hungary.

Stent selection for endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: a multicenter study in china

Aims. We attempted to establish some guidelines for the selection of transmural stents during endoscopic drainage of PFCs by retrospective review of the clinical data obtained from three tertiary hospitals. Patients and Methods. Clinical data of 93 patients with attempted endoscopic drainage of symptomatic PFCs were obtained through chart review and prospective follow-up. Results. Treatment success for acute pseudocyst (n = 67), chronic pseudocyst (n = 9), and WOPN (n = 17) was 95.3%, 100%, and 88.2%, respectively (P = 0.309). Clinical success for single-stent drainage was 93.9% (46/49) versus 97.4% (37/38) for multiple-stent drainage (P = 0.799). Secondary infection for single-stent drainage was 18.4% (9/49) versus 5.3% (2/38) for multiple-stent drainage (P = 0.134). Secondary infection for stent diameter less than or equal to 8.5 F was 3.4% (1/29) versus 17.2% (10/58) for stent diameter larger than or equal to 10 F (P = 0.138). Conclusion. EUS-guided transmural drainage is an effective therapy for PFCs. Single-stent transmural drainage of PFCs is enough and does not seem to influence clinical success. The number or diameter of stents does not seem to be associated with secondary infection.

Prognostic factors for successful endoscopic transpapillary drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The transpapillary approach can be used for draining pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) with pancreatic-duct abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to analyze prognostic factors for clinical success of transpapillary drainage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data for all patients who underwent transpapillary drainage between November 2000 and September 2009 were obtained by retrospective review and entered into a computerized database. Patient data were prospectively followed up to determine long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Seventy interventional ERCP procedures were performed for 43 patients. Technical success was 90.7 % (39/43). Overall clinical success was 79.5 % (31/39). Clinical success for pancreatic head pseudocyst was significantly different from that for body or tail pseudocyst (62.5 vs. 91.3 %, P = 0.043). Logistic regression analysis showed that location of the PPs predicted the success of endoscopic transpapillary pseudocyst drainage (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

Transpapillary drainage is the least traumatic approach for drainage of PPs, and is also effective for patients with no communicating pseudocysts. Clinical success for pancreatic body or tail pseudocyst drainage was higher than that for pancreatic head pseudocyst drainage. It was found that the location of PPs predicted the success of transpapillary pseudocyst drainage. None of the other factors tested was a significant predictor of clinical success.

Acute prevertebral abscess secondary to infected pancreatic pseudocyst

We report a case of a middle aged, man with diabetes who presented with dysphagia and odynophagia. On evaluation, he was diagnosed to have an acute prevertebral abscess with an unusual aetiology, an infected pseudocyst of pancreas. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed an enhancing collection in the prevertebral space extending to the retrogastric space and communicating with the body of the pancreas via the oesophageal hiatus. Transoral incision and drainage of the prevertebral abscess were performed. Nasogastric tube was placed in the prevertebral space for continuous drainage and daily irrigation. Supportive intravenous broad spectrum antibiotic therapy along with the surgical intervention led to the resolution of the prevertebral abscess and the infected pancreatic pseudocyst.

Endoscopic transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: technical challenges in the resource poor setting

Although surgical drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts has been superseded by less invasive options, the requirement for specialized equipment, technical expertise, and consumables limits the options available in low resource settings. We describe the challenges experienced during endoscopic transmural drainage in a low resource setting and the methods used to overcome these barriers. Despite operating in a low resource environment, endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts can be incorporated into our armamentarium with minimal change to the existing hardware. Careful patient selection by a dedicated multidisciplinary team should be observed in order to achieve good outcomes.

Endoscopic management of complications of chronic pancreatitis

Pseudocysts and biliary obstructions will affect approximately one third of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). For CP-related, uncomplicated, pancreatic pseudocysts (PPC), endoscopy is the first-choice therapeutic option. Recent advances have focused on endosonography-guided PPC transmural drainage, which tends to replace the conventional, duodenoscope-based coma immediately approach. Ancillary material is being tested to facilitate the endosonography-guided procedure. In this review, the most adequate techniques depending on PPC characteristics are presented along with supporting evidence. For CP-related biliary obstructions, endoscopy and surgery are valid therapeutic options. Patient co-morbidities (e.g., portal cavernoma) and expected patient compliance to repeat endoscopic procedures are important factors when selecting the most adapted option. Malignancy should be reasonably ruled out before embarking on the endoscopic treatment of presumed CP-related biliary strictures. In endoscopy, the gold standard technique consists of placing simultaneous, multiple, side-by-side, plastic stents for a one-year period. Fully covered self-expandable metal stents are challenging this method and have provided 50% mid-term success.

[New guidelines on chronic pancreatitis : interdisciplinary treatment strategies]

Chronic pancreatitis is a common disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Interdisciplinary consensus guidelines have recently updated the definitions and diagnostic criteria for chronic pancreatitis and provide a critical assessment of therapeutic procedures. Diagnostic imaging relies on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) as the most sensitive technique, whereas computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) remain a frequent preoperative requirement. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is now used mostly as a therapeutic procedure except for the differential diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. Complications of chronic pancreatitis, such as pseudocysts, duct stricture and intractable pain can be treated with endoscopic interventions as well as open surgery. In the treatment of pseudocysts endoscopic drainage procedures now prevail while pain treatment has greater long-term effectiveness following surgical procedures. Currently, endocopic as well as surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis require an ever increasing degree of technical and medical expertise and are provided increasingly more often by interdisciplinary centres. Surgical treatment is superior to interventional therapy regarding the outcome of pain control and duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection is presently the surgical procedure of choice.

Chronic pancreatitis--definition, etiology, investigation and treatment

BACKGROUND

Chronic pancreatitis has an annual incidence of 23 per 100 000 population in Germany, where it accounts for about 10 000 hospital admissions per year. The disease shortens the life expectancy of its sufferers by an average of 23%. It most commonly affects men aged 20 to 40.

METHODS

A systematic search for pertinent literature retrieved 19 569 publications, 485 of which were considered in the creation of this guideline, including 67 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A consensus conference reached agreement on a total of 156 definitions and recommendations.

RESULTS

The identification of genetic risk factors for pancreatitis is now well established. The diagnosis is made mainly with ultrasonography of the pancreas; if the findings are uncertain, further studies can be performed, including endosonography and endosonographically assisted fine-needle puncture for the examination of small foci of disease. Computed tomography and MRI/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography are supplementary diagnostic methods. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is now used almost exclusively for treatment, rather than for diagnosis. 30% to 60% of patients develop complications of chronic pancreatitis, including pseudocysts, bile-duct stenosis, or medically intractable pain, which can be treated with an endoscopic or surgical intervention. Patients with steatorrhea, a pathological pancreatic function test, or clinical evidence of malabsorption should be given pancreatin supplementation. The head of the pancreas should be resected if it contains an inflammatory pseudotumor.

CONCLUSION

The management of patients with chronic pancreatitis requires close interdisciplinary collaboration, as it can be treated medically and endoscopically as well as surgically.

[Therapy of pancreatic pseudocysts: endoscopy versus surgery]

Pancreatic pseudocysts are frequent complications following acute and chronic pancreatitis as well as abdominal trauma. They originate from enzymatic and/or necrotizing processes within the organ involving the surrounding tissues through inflammatory processes following pancreatic ductal lesion(s). Pseudocysts require definitive treatment if they become symptomatic, progressive, larger than 5 cm after a period of more than 6 weeks and/or have complications. Cystic neoplasms must be excluded before treatment. Endoscopic interventions are commonly accepted first line approaches. Should these fail or not be feasible surgical procedures have been well established and show comparable results. In summary, pancreatic pseudocysts require a reliable diagnostic approach with a multidisciplinary professional management involving gastroenterologists and surgeons.

Multiple pancreatic pseudocysts treated with endoscopic transpapillary drainage

Management of a solitary pancreatic pseudocyst with endoscopic transpapillary stent drainage is a well recognized treatment modality. Endoscopic options are however limited in the presence of multiple pancreatic pseudocysts. Conventionally surgery has been the mainstay of treatment in this situation. In this case report, we present a patient with multiple pancreatic pseudocysts who was successfully treated via transpapillary placement of pancreatic duct stent.

Treatment of rare gastric variceal bleeding in acute pancreatitis using embolization of the splenic artery combined with short gastric vein

In the acute stage of pancreatitis, sinistral portal hypertension is a rare reason for gastric variceal bleeding. Here we report a 20-year-old female patient with massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage 7 days after an episode of severe acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography showed gastric varices caused by splenic venous thrombosis. Emergency endoscopic examination was performed, however tissue adhesive utilized to restrain the bleeding was not successful. Although interventional therapy was controversial to treat the gastric variceal hemorrhage resulting from sinistral portal hypertension, the bleeding was successfully treated by embolization of the splenic artery combined with short gastric vein. Two weeks after the interventional the patient was discharged from our hospital without recurrence of bleeding. Embolization of the splenic artery combined with short gastric vein proved to be an effective emergency therapeutic method for gastric variceal bleeding caused by sinistral portal hypertension in the acute stage of pancreatitis.

[Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia: which findings support observation?]

On abdominal CT scans asymptomatic cystic lesions of the pancreas are accidentally detected in 1-2% of patients. Congenital cysts and pancreatic pseudocysts account for two thirds of these lesions. Pancreatic pseudocysts are a frequent complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Among resected cystic neoplasms serous cystic adenoma accounts for 30%, mucinous cystic neoplasms for 45% and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms for 25%. The diagnosis of a cystic pancreatic lesion is usually made by diagnostic imaging. Symptomatic lesions require definitive therapeutic treatment after appropriate diagnostic work-up. In the diagnosis of asymptomatic cystic lesions several factors are important, among them whether the cyst is connected to the pancreatic duct (as in IPMN and pseudocysts), the size of lesion (for treatment indications) and whether nodules form in the wall of the cyst (a sign of potential malignancy). EUS-guided fine needle aspiration of the cyst fluid adds to the discrimination between benign, premalignant and malignant cystic lesions. Measuring lipase activity, CEA, viscosity and mucin as well as cytology can help in differentiating cystic lesions. An algorithm is discussed for the differential diagnosis and for selection of the appropriate treatment for pancreatic cystic lesions, most of which never require surgery.