Stapled laparoscopic cystgastrostomy

Background The goal of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of patients undergoing laparoscopic stapled cystgastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocysts in contact with the posterior wall of the stomach.Methods We performed a case note review of all patients who have undergone stapled laparoscopic cystgastrostomy in Norwich, UK. The cystgastrostomy was fashioned through an anterior gastrotomy using a vascular ETS stapling device in all cases.Results Fifteen patients have undergone stapled laparoscopic cystgastrostomy. The procedure was completed successfully in 12 patients. Three procedures were converted to open surgery for technical reasons. There were no complications due to bleeding from the cystgastrostomy. Early complications included systemic sepsis (one), bleeding gastric ulcer (one) and pseudocyst recurrence due to partial closure of the cystgastrostomy (two). No late recurrences or other complications have been found at a median follow-up of 37 months.Conclusion Stapled laparoscopic cystgastrostomy is a safe and effective procedure for draining pancreatic pseudocysts in contact with the posterior wall of the stomach. The use of a hemostatic stapling device to fashion the cystgastrostomy may reduce the risk of catastrophic hemorrhage from the pseudocyst wall.     

Laparoscopic pancreatic cystgastrostomy

Internal drainage of acute pancreatic pseudocysts is indicated 6 weeks after the first documentation of pseudocyst. It is also indicated for symptomatic chronic pseudocysts 6 cm or more in diameter. When pseudocysts are located in close contact with the posterior wall of the stomach, they are best drained by pseudocyst-gastrostomy. This procedure can also be completed making use of intragastric surgical techniques. Under standard laparoscopic observation, three intragastric ports are placed through the abdominal and anterior gastric walls, establishing working channels for a telescope and hand instruments. After the presence of pseudocysts is confirmed, the posterior wall of the stomach and the cyst wall can be incised by electrocautery. After a sufficient drainage orifice is made and the cyst contents are thoroughly debrided, the intragastric ports are removed and defects in the gastric wall are closed with sutures placed via the standard laparoscopic approach. This approach is much less invasive than the conventional approach, which entails a large gastrotomy in the anterior wall of the stomach. This procedure should be the method of choice when interventional radiology or endoscopic intervention fails to effectively drain retrogastric pseudocysts. Received for publication on April 21, 1999; Accepted on Sept. 1, 1999     

Hybrid notes: incisionless intragastric stapled cystgastrostomy of a pancreatic pseudocyst

Purpose

We present a case report of a novel hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The operation performed was a transgastric cystgastrostomy with endoscopic guidance for a pancreatic pseudocyst. This operation was completed entirely through an existing gastrostomy site with no incisions, thus avoiding the peritoneal cavity.

Methods

This is a case of a 7-year-old boy with neurologic impairment from congenital herpes simplex virus encephalitis who is tube fed. He had acute pancreatitis and developed a 9 cm pancreatic pseudocyst. The pseudocyst failed to resolve after 6 weeks and developed a mature wall. Due to a history of multiple abdominal surgeries and known abdominal adhesions, a minimally invasive approach that would avoid entering the peritoneal cavity was the desired approach. The technique involved a trans-oral endoscope for visualization and the use of the gastrostomy as access to the gastric lumen and pseudocyst. The pancreatic pseudocyst was stabilized with two T-fasteners and confirmed with needle aspiration under endoscopic visualization. The pseudocyst was then opened with the LigaSure (Valleylab, Boulder, CO). The cystgastrostomy anastomosis was completed with an Endopath ETS-Flex Articulating Linear Stapler/Cutter (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc, Cincinnati, OH). The operation took less than 2 hours and was completed without an incision. Under the policies of the Human Research Protection Program, review of a single case is outside the scope of the definition of human subjects research and does not require institutional review board review and approval.

Results

The patient did well postoperatively and had a dramatic reduction in size of the pancreatic pseudocyst to 3.5 cm by 2 weeks.

Conclusions

Hybrid NOTES cystgastrostomy performed through an existing gastrocutaneous fistula is an excellent approach for minimally invasive drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts.     

Primary and overall success rates for clinical outcomes after laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open pancreatic cystgastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocysts

Background  Internal drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts can be accomplished by traditional open or minimally invasive laparoscopic or endoscopic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the primary and overall success rates and clinical outcomes after laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open pancreatic cystgastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocysts. Methods  Records of 83 patients undergoing laparoscopic (n = 16), endoscopic (n = 45), and open (n = 22) pancreatic cystgastrostomy were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results  There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean patient age (years), gender, body mass index (BMI) (kg/m²), etiology of pancreatitis (% gallstone), or size (cm) of pancreatic pseudocyst between the groups. Grade 2 or greater complications occurred within 30 days of the primary procedure for 31.5% of the laparoscopic patients, 15.6% of the endoscopic patients, and 22.7% of the open patients (nonsignificant differences). The follow-up evaluation for 75 patients (90.4%) was performed at a mean interval of 9.5 months (range, 1–40 months). The primary compared with the overall success rate, defined as cyst resolution, was 51.1% vs. 84.6% for the endoscopic group, 87.5% vs. 93.8% for the laparoscopic group, and 81.2% vs. 90.9% for the open group. The primary success rate was significantly higher (p < 0.01) for laparoscopic and open groups than for the endoscopic group, but the overall success rate was equivalent across the groups (nonsignificant differences). Primary endoscopic failures were salvaged by open pancreatic cystgastrostomy (n = 13), percutaneous drainage (n = 3), and repeat endoscopic drainage (n = 6). Conclusions  Laparoscopic and open pancreatic cystgastrostomy both have a higher primary success rate than endoscopic internal drainage, although repeat endoscopic cystgastrostomy provides overall success for selected patients.     

Laparoscopic pancreatic cystgastrostomy via the lesser sac approach

Laparoscopic cystgastrostomy offers the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure while providing effective drainage for pancreatic pseudocysts. The lesser sac approach to laparoscopic cystgastrostomy provides adequate working space with excellent visualization. This assures meticulous hemostasis, debridement of the cyst, and wide internal drainage of the pancreatic pseudocyst. Additionally, the laparoscopic approach to this difficult problem can be augmented by other minimally invasive therapies. This video outlines the management of a patient with a pancreatic pseudocyst and concomitant splenic vein thrombosis treated with preoperative splenic embolization and laparoscopic cystgastrostomy via the lesser sac approach.     

胰腺假性囊肿治疗方式的临床分析

目的对胰腺假性囊肿的治疗方式和临床效果进行分析。方法对2002年1月至2008年6月收治的42例胰腺假性囊肿的治疗方式、效果、并发症进行回顾性分析。结果非手术治疗4例,在随访期间均能自行吸收;手术治疗38例:包括胰腺假性囊肿-胃吻合9例,术后有1例出现吻合口出血;囊肿-十二指肠吻合2例;囊肿-空肠Roux-en-Y吻合21例,术后有2例出现吻合口出血;腹腔镜囊肿-胃内引流术1例;胰腺假性囊肿外引流术2例,术后有1例出现胰瘘;胰腺假性囊肿切除术3例,术后有1例出现胰漏。结论胰腺假性囊肿的治疗已趋于多样化,需根据患者的具体病情来选择不同的治疗方式;手术治疗中囊肿内引流术仍是主要术式,根据囊肿的具体情况选择不同的吻合方式;其中腹腔镜胰腺假性囊肿-胃内引流术,安全微创,疗效确切,值得推广。     

胰腺假性囊肿治疗方式的选择与评价

目的 对胰腺假性囊肿的治疗方式和效果进行评价。方法 对1990年1月至2002年3月收治的114例胰腺假性囊肿的处理方式、效果及并发症进行回顾性分析。结果 25例未行手术治疗,其中23例在随访期间囊肿自行吸收。CT引导下经皮置管引流组29例,有效率67．85％。外科手术治疗60例,死亡率5％(3／60),手术方式包括：外引流8例,死亡率12．5％(1／8);假性囊肿切除13例;囊肿十二指肠吻合1例;囊肿胃吻合19例,术后消化道出血的发生率为36．8％(7／19),死亡率5．26％(1／19);囊肿空肠Roux-en-Y吻合19例,术后消化道出血的发生率为15．8％(3／19),死亡率5．26％(1／19)。结论 CT引导下经皮置管引流创伤小,操作相对简单,是传统开腹外引流术的有效替代方式。虽然微创技术使胰腺假性囊肿的治疗方式多样化,但仍有不少患者需要外科手术治疗。囊肿胃吻合术后消化道出血的发生率高于囊肿空肠Roux-en-Y吻合术,但多数易于控制,仍然是一种简单合理的内引流术式。对于难以排除恶性的假性囊肿,应尽量手术切除。     

Pancreatic Pseudocysts: Is Delayed Surgical Intervention Associated with Adverse Outcomes?

Background Nonsurgical interventions are increasingly applied for pancreatic pseudocysts. We hypothesized that surgical therapy applied after failure of percutaneous or endoscopic therapies for pseudocysts is associated with poorer outcomes than cases in which surgery is the initial intervention. Materials and methods Medical records of all 284 patients admitted with pancreatic pseudocysts at our institution (1/1990–9/2005) were analyzed. Forty-six patients underwent surgery as the initial intervention (group A). Among 162 patients who underwent percutaneous or endoscopic drainage as the initial intervention, 75 patients required subsequent surgery after failure of nonsurgical intervention (group B). Results Groups were comparable in demographic variables and in location, number, and size of pseudocysts. Forty-two percent of group B patients developed infection within their pseudocysts after their nonsurgical interventions. Compared to group A patients, group B patients had higher rates of overall perioperative morbidity (47.8% vs 73.3%, p = 0.01) and postoperative readmission (24.0% vs 44.7%, p = 0.04). Five (6.7%) group B patients died in the perioperative period; there were no perioperative deaths among group A patients. Conclusion Delayed surgical intervention for pancreatic pseudocysts is associated with higher incidences of postoperative complications, readmission, morbidity, and mortality. The increasing application of nonsurgical interventions needs to be reevaluated. This study was presented at the American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association 2007 Annual Meeting on April 21, 2007 at Las Vegas, Nevada.     

Minilaparoscopic transgastric cystgastrostomy

BACKGROUND: A technique combining upper endoscopy with percutaneous transgastric minilaparoscopic instrumentation for the formation of pancreatic cystgastrostomy is safe and effective for the internal drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts. METHODS: At a tertiary-care academic medical center, 6 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts with a mean size of 19 cm (range, 16-23 cm) were selected for combined endoscopic and percutaneous transgastric minilaparoscopic (1.7-2 mm) pancreatic cystgastrostomy. All pseudocysts had been followed-up for a minimum of 5 weeks (range, 5-22 wk) and were noted to significantly displace the stomach anteriorly. RESULTS: The mean surgical time was 98 minutes (range, 45-150 min). The mean amount of fluid removed from the pseudocysts was 2167 mL (range, 1600-2600 mL). All ports were removed from the stomach without the need to suture the gastric wall or skin except for 2 gastric serosal sites that were closed with a single intracorporeal stitch. The length of hospital stay averaged 2.2 days (range, 0-6 d). All patients were discharged in good condition, tolerating a regular diet. With a mean follow-up period of 13.4 months (range, 1-30 mo), all patients remain asymptomatic from their pancreatic pseudocysts. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of combining upper endoscopy with percutaneous transgastric minilaparoscopic instruments to create a pancreatic cystgastrostomy can be used to apply well-established surgical principals for internal drainage and has the potential to be used for the management of other gastric pathology.     

Rupture of a bleeding pancreatic pseudocyst into the stomach

A bleeding pancreatic pseudocyst following pancreatitis is a severe complication that can lead to massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Rupture of such a pseudocyst into the stomach is rare. We report herein a case of rupture of a bleeding pseudocyst into the stomach in a patient who was successfully treated with emergency surgery. A 60-year-old Japanese man with a history of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis with a pancreatic tail pseudocyst was referred to us because of hematemesis. The cavity of the pseudocyst, which was 3 cm in size and whose wall adhered to the stomach, was enhanced by dynamic bolus computed tomography (CT) in the late arterial phase. Splenic angiography revealed a bleeding pseudocyst in the splenic hilum. Embolization of the pseudocyst failed, because of arterial spasm. A distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and total gastrectomy were performed. The wall of the pseudocyst consisted of the pancreatic tail, granulation tissue, and the posterior wall of the stomach. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. In the management of massive bleeding from a pseudocyst, early diagnosis with dynamic bolus CT and angiography is essential. A bleeding pseudocyst should be considered to be a lethal complication, but it can possibly be treated with a combination of angiographic embolization and surgery. Received: November 16, 2001 / Accepted: February 21, 2002     

A simple,safe technique for the drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts

Background: A number of methods are available for the drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts, including percutaneous, endoscopic and open approaches. In Leicester, we developed a combined radiological and endoscopic technique (predating the use of endoscopic/ultrasound) to allow drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts into the stomach. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long‐term results of this approach. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing combined endoscopic/ultrasound‐guided percutaneous stenting between 1994 and 2007. Data were extracted from case records and our computerised radiology database. Results: Thirty‐seven combined endoscopic/ultrasound‐guided procedures were undertaken. Median patient age was 52 years (range 26–84 years). Nineteen pseudocysts were secondary to acute pancreatitis and 18 were in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The diameter of pseudocysts on pre‐procedure imaging ranged from 4 to 21 cm (median 11 cm). Median duration of hospital stay was 7 days (range 1–44 days) and 30‐day mortality was 0%. Stents were inserted in 70.3% of patients (n= 26). Of those patients stented during the combined procedure, three developed infection of the pseudocyst, necessitating open cystgastrostomy within the first month. During a mean follow‐up period of 41 months, two patients developed recurrent pseudocysts which were successfully drained with a further combined procedure (16 and 43 months). Repeat imaging in the remainder of patients failed to show any evidence of a persistent or recurrent pseudocyst beyond 2 months. Conclusion: Combined radiological and endoscopic drainage is safe, cost‐effective and highly efficient in preventing recurrent pseudocyst formation.     

Laparoscopic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery: an overview

Although they are not widely employed, advanced laparoscopic hepatobiliary pancreatic (HBP) procedures can be performed. Laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration has gained wide acceptance, and endoscopic retro-grade cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic sphincterotomy (ERCP/ES) may become less important in the treatment of CBD stones. Choledochal cyst is another example that is suitable for laparoscopic treatment. It can be removed, and bilioenteric flow is reestablished laparoscopically. Simple cyst of the liver is an excellent indication for laparoscopic surgery. Cysts are unroofed, and recurrence is rare. Hydatid disease can also be treated laparoscopically. In liver resection, the use of laparoscopy is limited to wedge resection and left lateral segmentectomy at most. Laparoscopic staging for pancreatic cancer can demonstrate respectability in 90% of cases. This staging may obviate unnecessary laparotomy. Although laparoscopic Whipple is feasible, laparoscoic distal pancreatectomy is a realistic indication for pancreatic resection. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy may be indicated for cystic neoplasms of low-grade malignancy, and for islet cell tumors. When internal drainage is indicated, pseudocysts can be treated laparoscopically. If the cyst is located close to the posterior gastric wall, cystgastrostomy can also be achieved with an endoluminal surgical technique. Received: March 25, 2002 / Accepted: April 14, 2002 Offprint requests to: T. Mori     

Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts in children

Background/Purpose

Symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts have traditionally been managed with surgical, percutaneous, and, more recently, endoscopic drainage. Although the role of the latter is well defined in the adult population, its utility in children needs to be clarified. The authors reviewed their experience with endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst (EDPP).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted, and relevant demographic and clinical data were obtained for all patients with pancreatic pseudocysts managed with endoscopic drainage in the period from 1997 through 2001, inclusive.

Results

Three children had successful endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts. They were 9, 13, and 14 years old, and were all boys. The etiology of the pancreatitis was idiopathic related to anomalous pancreatic divisum ducts in the first 2 and azathioprine induced in the latter. The first 2 patients had endoscopic transpapillary drainage, whereas the third had an endoscopic cystduodenostomy. All patients had complete resolution of the pseudocyst clinically and radiologically after follow-up periods of 3, 31, and 21 months, respectively. The first needed a subsequent pancreaticojejunostomy for persistent symptoms related to chronic pancreatitis. A successful endoscopic drainage of a posttraumatic pancreatic pseudocyst has previously been reported from our institution.

Conclusions

This experience would indicate that endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst is an effective and relatively safe option of managing this problem in children.     

Pancreatic tail pseudocyst associated with spontaneous resolution of intrasplenic pancreatic pseudocyst

A 27-year-old man, an alcohol abuser, had alcoholic pancreatitis complicated by a 3.2 cm pancreatic tail speudocyst and intrasplenic pseudocysts presenting with left upper quadrant pain of one-month duration. Surgical resection or percutaneous drainage of the cystic lesions of the pancreas and the spleen was refused. Analgesic agents were given for relief of abdominal pain. Three months later, another episode of alcoholic pancreatitis occurred. A computed axial tomographic scans of the abdomen showed diffuse enlargement of the pancreas with a 3.0-cm pseudocyst in the pancreatic tail, but there was no evidence of previous intrasplenic pseudocysts. The patient was treated conservatively and was discharged on the 7th hospital day. There was no recurrence of abdominal pain after 3 months follow-up.     

Endoscopic transgastric drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst with the use of Nd:YAG laser

Pancreatic pseudocysts have been successfully managed with endoscopic drainage recently. This report describes a case of endoscopic transgastric drainage using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and an Nd:YAG laser. EUS was used to detect an optimal puncture site of the pseudocyst and to reduce the risk of bleeding and perforation. An Nd:YAG laser was used to minimize the risk of bleeding and to penetrate the thick wall of the pseudocyst. After transgastric cystgastrostomy was performed, an internal stent was placed between the pseudocyst and the stomach. There were no complications associated with endoscopic interventions. Complete resolution of the pseudocyst was observed. Endoscopic transgastric drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts is a recommended approach for selected patients with pancreatic pseudocysts that are uncomplicated and are located adjacent to the stomach. Safe and effective drainage can be achieved without hemorrhage and perforation with the use of EUS, an Nd:YAG laser, and a stent. Furthermore, the Nd:YAG laser facilitated passage through a markedly indurated pseudocyst wall and it seemed to be an effective instrument, especially for pseudocysts with a thick wall.     

A comparison of anterior and posterior approaches for the surgical treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst using laparoscopic cystogastrostomy

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst allows for definitive drainage with faster recovery. Although many groups have reported their experience with an anterior approach, only a few have done so with a posterior approach. This paper compares the approaches, analyzing their potential benefits and pitfalls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven females and one male underwent laparoscopic cystgastrostomy to treat pancreatic pseudocysts. The anterior approach was performed by opening the stomach anteriorly, localizing the pseudocyst ultrasonographically, draining the cyst with a needle and, via the same opening, using a stapler to form a cystgastrostomy. The posterior approach was performed by directly visualizing the posterior gastric wall and the pseudocyst, opening and draining the cyst with a needle, and using a stapler and running sutures for closure. RESULTS: All patients had gallstone pancreatitis. Cystgastrostomy via the anterior approach was used in 4 patients and via the posterior approach in 4 patients. Dense adhesions required one attempted posterior cystgastrostomy to be converted to an anterior approach. The mean age of the anterior group was 38 years (range, 18-58 years) and hospital stay was 6 days (range, 4-8 days): for the posterior group, mean age was 42 years (range, 40-44 years) and length of stay was 3 days (range, 2-4 days). CONCLUSION: Although both approaches had good results with no complications and short hospital stays, the posterior approach is safer, with a more precise cyst visualization and dissection that permits more tissue to be sent for histopathologic examination. Furthermore, the posterior approach?s larger anastomosis would seem to yield fewer occlusions, which are commonly seen with the anterior approach. The anterior approach is easier to learn, but it requires the opening of the anterior stomach and the use of ultrasound.     

Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts in children

Pancreatic pseudocysts (PPSs) are common sequelae of pancreatitis and pancreatic trauma. The management is based upon the pseudocyst size and presence of symptoms. Those requiring intervention are often drained using several available options. The use of laparoscopic cystogastrostomy for large and recurrent PPSs has been described in adult patients as a less morbid alternative to open drainage procedures. This technique is considered a novel approach in children.We describe 2 children who had PPSs amenable to laparoscopic cystogastrostomy. The first was an 11-year-old girl who had blunt abdominal trauma from a bicycle handlebar. The second patient was a 7-year-old girl who developed idiopathic pancreatitis. Briefly, 2 ports were placed through the anterior abdominal and gastric walls, and into the lumen of the stomach. This intraluminal placement provided access to the posterior gastric wall. Using electrocautery diathermy, an incision was made through the posterior gastric wall and into the adjacent pseudocyst to obtain complete and unobstructed drainage. Both children tolerated the procedures well with resolution of their PPSs. The patients were each discharged on the fourth postoperative day and have been asymptomatic on 2 years follow-up.Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy is a safe and effective alternative to open cystogastrostomy for the minimally invasive management of PPSs in the pediatric population.     

Pancreatic pseudocyst bleeding associated with massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic pseudocyst bleeding is an unusual entity of acute abdomen, usually occurring among alcoholics. A high mortality developed in patients with conservative treatment of hemorrhagic pancreatic pseudocyst. We report a 37-year-old male with a pseudoaneurysm in the tail of the pancreas presenting with sudden onset of abdominal pain and swelling. Emergency laparotomy after blood transfusion and fluid resuscitation was successfully performed. METHODS: An abdominal radiography showed multiple calcifications in the epigastric area. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a cystic lesion with a calcified wall in the tail of the pancreas and a large amount of ascites. After contrast enhancement, there was hemorrhage into the pancreatic pseudocyst with extravasation of contrast into the peritoneal cavity. RESULTS: At operation, active bleeding was noted from a ruptured pseudocyst in the tail of the pancreas and ligation of the bleeding vessel was done. CONCLUSIONS: Hemorrhage into the pancreatic pseudocyst associated with intraperitoneal bleeding is a potentially life threatening condition. Emergency surgical treatment should be carried out as soon as possible.     

PERCUTANEOUS CYSTOGASTROSTOMY FOR TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC PSEUDOCYSTS

Cystogastrostomy or cystojejunostomy at open operation has been the usual treatment for symptomatic pancreatic pseudocyst. The aim of this study was to assess prospectively the results of percutaneous cystogastrostomy (PCG) for the treatment of symptomatic pseudocysts. The technique of PCG comprised initially of drainage of the pseudocyst with a 10 Fr percutaneous, transgastric catheter. This initial drainage catheter had two components; the first, between the pseudocyst and the stomach, drained the pseudocyst and the second, between the stomach and exterior, acted as a percutaneous gastrostomy. The initial drain was left in situ for 14 days, at which time it was exchanged percutaneously for the definitive PCG; a double ended Mallecot type catheter that drained between the pseudocyst and the stomach. The latter catheter was left in situ until there was no residual pseudocyst demonstrated on computerized tomography scan and was removed endoscopically. Eleven patients with large (> 6 cm), symptomatic pseudocysts have been treated with PCG. All patients were treated successfully without the need for surgical intervention. The median time to radiological resolution was 24 days. There were four episodes of sepsis, two related to central venous line infections and two related to catheter blockage. Percutaneous cystogastrostomy blockage was managed by either replacing the initial drain or inserting a second catheter. The median follow up after successful treatment was 9 months (range 2–17). There were no symptomatic recurrences and one small (2 cm) asymptomatic recurrent pseudocyst. This preliminary experience with PCG demonstrates the efficacy of this procedure for treating symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts.     

Management of cystic tumours of the pancreas

BACKGROUND: Cystic tumours of the pancreas account for 5% of pancreatic neoplasms and are frequently misdiagnosed as pancreatic pseudocysts. The authors' experience of managing these tumours is presented here, highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnostic difficulties and operative treatment. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all patients diagnosed to have cystic tumours of the pancreas treated at The Mater Hospital, during a 5-year period from 1997 to 2002. Literature was reviewed and guidelines for the management of these tumours have been outlined. RESULTS: Seven patients with cystic pancreatic tumours were treated over this time-period. All patients were women with a median age of 40. Two of these patients were initially diagnosed as having pseudocysts and were treated elsewhere by cystgastrostomy. The tumour was resected in all patients. All but one was benign. At follow up, ranging from 13 to 66 months, all patients were alive and well. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic tumours of the pancreas are uncommon and generally slow growing. It is important not to assume that a cystic lesion in the pancreas, especially in middle-aged women, is a pseudocyst. Satisfactory surgical resection may be possible even after previous operative procedures on the pancreas. Prognosis after resection remains good.