Management of left pancreatic trauma

Left pancreatic traumas (LPTs) are rare but serious lesions occurring in 1 to 6 per cent of abdominal trauma patients and mainly resulting from blunt traumas. LPT severity is primarily dependent on the associated injuries and secondarily related to main pancreatic duct injury responsible for complications: acute pancreatitis, pseudocysts, pancreatic fistulas, or abscesses. The guidelines for blunt LPT management can be presented as follows. In case of emergency laparotomy, pancreas exploration is mandatory to detect pancreatic duct lesions. In the absence of main pancreatic duct lesions, simple drainage is advocated. In case of distal injury to the main pancreatic duct, a left pancreatectomy is mandatory. In the absence of initial laparotomy, the diagnosis is more and more based on CT and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, which tend to replace endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as a first-intent diagnostic modality. In case of distal injury to the main pancreatic duct, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy is recommended. In the absence of main pancreatic duct lesions, nonoperative treatment is advocated. When LPTs are discovered at the time of complications, pancreatic fistulas and/or pseudocysts are associated with main pancreatic lesions, which can be treated by pancreatic duct stenting at ERCP and/or internal endoscopic cystogastrostomy. However, in such cases, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy remains the treatment of choice. Pancreatic ductal lesions resulting from LPT have to be diagnosed early to avoid late complications. Distal pancreatectomy remains the treatment of choice in case of severe pancreatic ductal lesions because the role of ERCP stenting and endoscopic techniques needs further evaluation.     

Contribution of endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in management of complications following distal pancreatic trauma.

Pancreatic trauma is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment of this condition is controversial. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the management of distal pancreatic trauma and its complications, assessing the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The clinical course and surgical management of 38 patients with distal pancreatic trauma were analyzed in a university hospital in Paris, France. Twenty-five patients were referred after initial treatment elsewhere. As initial treatment, patients underwent external drainage (n = 25), pancreatic resection (n = 6), laparotomy alone (n = 5), and no surgery (n = 2). Nineteen patients with pancreatic duct injury and no pancreatic resection developed fistulae (n = 14) or pseudocysts (n = 5). Only four of these patients recovered without a subsequent pancreatic resection or internal drainage procedure. In the absence of duct injury, patients recovered without the need for pancreatic resection. ERCP was performed in 16 cases and provided critical information on duct status influencing surgical management. We conclude that the presence of pancreatic trauma duct injury is a major determinant of complications and outcome after pancreatic trauma. It is optimally managed by pancreatic resection. ERCP is valuable in providing a definitive diagnosis of duct injury, thereby directing treatment.     

Traumatic pancreatic duct injury in children: minimally invasive approach to management

Background

The management of children with main pancreatic duct injuries is controversial. We report a series of patients with pancreatic trauma who were treated using minimally invasive techniques.

Methods

Retrospective review of children with pancreatic trauma treated at a UK tertiary referral institution between 1999 and 2004.

Results

Fifteen children (11 boys) were admitted with pancreatic trauma. Twelve (80%) were less than 50th centile for body weight. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans were used to define organ injury, supplemented by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in 7. Twelve (80%) underwent diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a median time after injury of 11 (range, 6-29) days. The degree of pancreatic injury was defined by ERCP and CT/MRCP as grade II (n = 2), grade III (n = 4), grade IV (n = 9) (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grades). Nine children had a transductal pancreatic stent inserted endoscopically. Computed tomography/ultrasound-guided drainage was performed in 4 children for acute fluid collections. Two children later underwent endoscopic cyst-gastrostomy, one of whom later required conversion to an open cyst-gastrostomy.

Conclusion

Body habitus may predispose to pancreatic duct trauma. Contrast-enhanced CT scan (and MRCP) should dictate the need for ERCP. Transductal pancreatic stenting allows internal drainage of peripancreatic collections and may reestablish duct continuity, although a proportion still requires percutaneous or endoscopic cyst-gastrostomy drainage. Open surgery for pancreatic trauma should now be an exception.     

磁共振胆道成像在ERCP不成功病人中的应用

目的：MRCP在ERCP不成功或显影不佳时的应用价值。方法：26例患者在ERCP不成功或显影不佳后48小时内行MRCP检查。结果：全部病例均获有诊断价值的图像,胆胰管正常4例,胆囊管过长伴结石1例,胆总管及肝内胆管结石11例,肝门部胆管癌5例,胰头癌1例,胆总管囊肿2例,肝门部胆管狭窄2例,MRCP对本组疾病总的诊断符合率为88％。结论：MRCP对胆胰疾病有较高的诊断价值。     

Use of ERCP to identify the site of traumatic injuries of the main pancreatic duct in children

Major pancreatic injuries in children are uncommon but potentially very serious. They usually occur in active young boys following characteristic accidents. Despite this they frequently go unrecognized for prolonged periods. Four patients with delayed recognition of blunt pancreatic trauma are described. The presence of pancreatic injury was identified by hyperamylasaemia in every case. Ultrasound and CT scanning were helpful in identifying pseudocysts but accurate pre-operative diagnosis of main duct disruption required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Surgical treatment involved a full exploration of the lesser sac with drainage of the cyst contents and identification of the site of extravasation. Two patients with proximal duct lacerations were treated by internal drainage into a Roux-en-Y loop with the addition of a distal pancreaticojejunostomy in one case. Two patients with distal lacerations were treated by distal pancreatectomy and oversewing of the remnant. All four patients recovered and were well at follow-up. Early ERCP is the only reliable method of identifying duct injuries which require urgent surgery. It should be considered in all children with blunt pancreatic trauma.     

Management of major pancreatic duct injuries in children.

BACKGROUND: The operative versus nonoperative management of major pancreatic ductal injuries in children remains controversial. The computed tomographic (CT) scan may not be accurate for determination of location and type of injury. We report our experience with ductal injury including the recent use of acute endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for definitive imaging, and an endoscopically placed stent as definitive treatment. This has not been reported in children. METHODS: In review of 14,245 admissions to a regional pediatric trauma center over a 14-year period, 18 patients with major ductal injuries from blunt trauma were noted. Records were reviewed for mechanism of injury, method of diagnosis, management, and outcome. RESULTS: There were 10 girls and 8 boys, ranging in age from 2 months to 13 years. The most common mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle and bicycle crashes. Admission CT scan in 16 children was suggestive of injury in 11, and missed the injury in 5. Distal pancreatectomy was carried out in eight patients with distal duct injuries: one died of central nervous system injury. Nonoperative management in three proximal duct injuries suggested by initial CT scan and in three missed distal duct injuries resulted in pseudocyst formation in five survivors; one patient died of central nervous system injuries. Two children with minimal abdominal pain, normal initial serum amylase, and no initial imaging developed pseudocysts. Two of seven pseudocysts spontaneously resolved and five were treated by delayed cystogastrostomy. Two recent children with suggestive CT scans were definitively diagnosed by acute ERCP and treated by endoscopic stenting. Clinical and chemical improvement was rapid and complete and the stents were removed. Follow-up ERCP, CT scan, and serum amylase levels are normal 1 year after injury. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic ductal injuries are rare in pediatric blunt trauma. CT scanning is suggestive but not accurate for the diagnosis of type and location of injury. Acute ERCP is safe and accurate in children, and may allow for definitive treatment of ductal injury by stenting in selected patients. If stenting is not possible, or fails, distal injuries are best treated by distal pancreatectomy; proximal injuries may be managed nonoperatively, allowing for the formation and uneventful drainage of a pseudocyst.     

严重复杂的胰腺创伤临床处理探讨

目的 总结严重复杂性胰腺损伤的诊治经验.方法 回顾性分析21例的临床资料.其中男14例,女7例;年龄9～53岁,平均26岁;损伤分级:Ⅲ级8例,Ⅳ级8例,V级5例.主要诊断方法有淀粉酶测定、B超、CT、ERCP和MRCP等.均采取手术治疗,10例行远侧胰腺空肠Rouxen-Y吻合术;3例行胰头十二指肠切除术;2例行改良十二指肠憩室化手术;3例行胰腺尾部切除术;2例行胰腺断面缝合、主胰管内置管外引流;1例行胰腺两侧断端缝扎,后二期手术行远端胰腺空肠吻合术.结果 术前诊断明确11例,术中确诊10例.18例损伤后12 h内手术治疗,3例延期手术治疗.治愈20例,病死1例(胰头十二指肠切除术后).发生胰瘘并发症3例,经充分引流、药物治疗治愈.结论 胰腺严重创伤的诊断率仍较低,早期应积极剖腹探查弥补术前诊断的不足,手术方式要根据分级采取个体化方案,贯彻损伤控制性外科理念,不宜盲目扩大手术.     

Operative vs nonoperative management of blunt pancreatic trauma in children

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of nonoperative vs operative management of blunt pancreatic trauma in children.

Methods

Retrospective review of pancreatic injuries from 1995 to 2006 at an urban level I regional pediatric trauma center.

Results

Forty-three children with pancreatic injury were included in the analysis. Injuries included grade I (n = 18), grade II (n = 6), grade III (n = 17), and grade IV (n = 2). For grade II to IV injuries, patients managed operatively (n = 14) and nonoperatively (n = 11) had similar lengths of stay and rates of readmission, despite increased pancreatic complications (PCs) in the nonoperative cohort (21% vs 73%; P = .02). There was a trend toward increased non-PCs in patients managed with resection (P = .07). Twelve patients underwent successful diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in which duct injury was identified. In this group, nonoperative management was pursued in 6 patients but was associated with increased rates of PC (86% nonoperative vs 29% operative; P = .02).

Conclusions

Operative management of children with grades II to IV pancreatic injury results in significantly decreased rates of PCs but fails to decrease length of stay in the hospital, possibly as a result of non-PCs. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may serve as a useful diagnostic modality for guiding operative vs nonoperative management decisions.     

Blunt pancreatic trauma in children

Purpose

To report our experience with blunt pancreatic trauma in pediatric patients and evaluate several various management strategies.

Methods

Ten children admitted over the last 10 years with pancreatic blunt trauma were included in the present series.

Results

The average time from injury to hospital admission was 2.4 days. All injuries resulted from accidents: bicycle handlebar injuries (5), being kicked by a horse (2), falls from a height (2), and injury sustained during closure of an electric gate (1). Additional systemic and abdominal injuries were recorded in 7 patients. The amylase levels at the time of patient admission were normal in 3 patients, mildly raised in 4 patients, and elevated in 3 patients. Abdominal computed tomography was performed in 10 patients, ultrasonography in 5, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 4. Pancreatic injuries comprised 4 grade I, 3 grade II, and 3 grade III injuries. Grade I and II injuries were successfully managed by conservative treatment. The 3 children with grade III trauma and pancreatic ductal injury in the neck (1), body (1), and tail (1) of the gland were surgically treated, having an uneventful postoperative stay of 8?C14 days and no complications during the 1-year follow-up period.

Conclusion

The present study supports early ERCP as an essential part of the initial patient evaluation when pancreatic transection is highly suspected.     

Pancreatic cyst associated with pancreas divisum treated by laparoscopy-assisted cystgastrostomy in the intragastric approach: a case report and a review of the literature

A 39-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital after experiencing recurrent episodes of pancreatitis over the previous 2 years. On the first episode, he had been admitted to our hospital with elevated serum amylase levels and epigastralgia. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a diffuse, uncircumscribed area with heterogeneous density in the pancreas. No previous history of pancreatitis, gallstones, drinking, or abdominal injury was elicited. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) demonstrated that the Wirsung duct was unconnected to the Santorini's duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography through the papilla of Vater and accessory papilla revealed an enlarged ventral pancreatic duct, pancreas divisum, and a cystic lesion in the pancreatic body. On the second and third episodes, endoscopic drainage of the pancreatic pseudocysts through the accessory papilla and ultrasonography-guided transmural drainage were unsuccessful. A follow-up CT and MRCP demonstrated that the pancreatic cyst had enlarged to 9 x 8 cm in diameter. A laparoscopy-assisted cystgastrostomy was performed with an intragastric approach. An anastomosis was performed using an endoscopic linear stapler through the small cystotomy and gastrotomy openings on the posterior wall of the stomach. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful. Over 6 months later, the patient remains well and with a good quality of life. A laparoscopy-assisted cystgastrostomy, using an intragastric surgical technique, offers a safe, less-invasive procedure for cyst drainage by the pancreas divisum.     

磁共振胰胆管成像与经内镜逆行胰胆管造影对胆胰疾病诊断价值的比较研究

目的 评价磁共振胰胆管成像(MRCP)与经内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)对胆胰疾病的诊断价值.方法 对134例怀疑为胆胰管疾病病人行MRCP,并与58例ERCP比较,所有病例均经手术病理证实.结果 134例MRCP均获成功,在行ERCP中54例成功,4例失败者改行PTC检查成功.MRCP和ERCP总的诊断准确率分别为90.3%和88.9%.结论 MRCP对胆胰系统疾病中恶性梗阻所致的梗阻性黄疸诊断准确性较高,对胆总管、肝内胆管较小结石的诊断不如ERCP敏感及准确,而且不能治疗,提示MRCP和ERCP各有优越点,二者合理应用可提高胆胰系统疾病的诊断符合率.     

Detecting blunt pancreatic injuries

Pancreatic injury after blunt abdominal trauma is exceedingly uncommon, occurring in less than 5 % of major abdominal injuries. When blunt pancreatic injury does occur, however, it is notoriously difficult to identify. The use of serum amylase has been advocated in the diagnosis of such injury, yet it is neither sensitive nor specific. Computed tomography has become widely accepted in the evaluation of hemodynamically stable patients after blunt abdominal trauma, although it is clearly not a sensitive modality for the detection of pancreatic injury. In fact, numerous examples of normal CT scans with missed pancreatic injury have been documented. However, careful attention to CT technique and awareness of the CT manifestations of pancreatic injury may facilitate the diagnosis of pancreatic injury. Additionally, important information about the pancreatic duct can be obtained with the use of MRI-pancreatography or endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Accurate, timely identification of major pancreatic ductal injury is imperative because delay in diagnosis and associated vascular injuries are largely responsible for the high morbidity and mortality associated with blunt pancreatic trauma. Blunt pancreatic trauma can be managed successfully by means of both operative and selective approaches.     

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: Objectives and future

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a rapidly developing non-invasive imaging method that can depict the biliopancreatic ducts. Compared to direct methods such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), MRCP is not painful, does not require contrast media, and its success does not depend, to any great extent, on the operator's skill. It uses three-dimensional data sets for projection images, as well as arbitrary cross-sectional iamges. Faster data acquisition techniques are expanding its indications as a diagnostic tool. MRCP is undoubtedly the method of choice when ERCP is contraindicated or fails. Imaging after the injection of secretin improves pancreatic duct delineation, and may also add functional information to MRCP. Adequate diagnostic evaluation of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, and mucinous ductal ectasia may also be feasible. Further development and optimization of MRCP will substantially limit the indications for diagnostic endoscopic pancreatography.     

MANAGEMENT OF TRANSECTED PANCREAS IN CHILDREN

The pancreas is the fourth most commonly injured intra-abdominal organ in children who sustain blunt abdominal trauma. Appropriate management of the injured pancreas has been controversial. With the advent of the computerized tomography scan, paediatric surgeons have tended to manage pancreatic injuries non-operatively. However. if pseudocysts develop. non-operative management may necessarily entail a long hospital course involving total parenleral nutrition. drainage procedures and attendant morbidity. The critical element in planning therapy is to determine the status of the pancreatic duct. We have recently encountered five children who suffered blunt pancreatic injury where the main pancreatic duct was determined to have been transected. These children underwent spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy with resultant shorter hospital stays and minimal long-term morbidity. We suggest that in children with pancreatic injury where the main pancreatic duct has been transected early operative management rather than non-operative therapy is the procedure of choice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography should be used to determine the status of the pancreatic duct. This modality can be both diagnostic and therapeutic in appropriate circumstances.     

Late complications of pancreatic trauma

Pancreatic trauma is rare and experience concerning its management is consequently limited. Lessons learnt in the investigation and treatment of a group of 11 patients (median age 28.0 years, range 14-44 years), who presented with the sequelae of trauma, are described. These patients were referred to a centre with an interest in pancreatic disease at a median time of 6.0 months (range 1.5-34 months) after blunt (n = 9) or penetrating (n = 2) injury to the pancreas. Ten of the 11 patients had undergone either single (n = 4) or multiple (n = 6) previous operations. Ten of the 11 patients had either strictures or disruptions of the main pancreatic duct demonstrated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and ultrasonography (n = 8) or by exploration of the pancreas (n = 2). Satisfactory results were achieved by non-operative treatment in one patient and by distal pancreatectomy in eight. One further patient, who underwent distal pancreatectomy, later required completion resection because of unsuspected ductal injury in the head of the gland. The final patient continued with symptoms of pancreatitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy. It is concluded that the non-resolving sequelae of pancreatic trauma are associated with injury to the main pancreatic duct and that specialist investigation should be performed before surgical intervention is contemplated.     

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the management of traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts. A report of 2 cases.

The results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 2 patients with traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts are described. As a pre-operative procedure, this investigation provided useful information on the exact site of duct disruption. In both patients, the pancreatic pseudocysts were drained via a posterior cyst gastrostomy, and they have remained well since surgery. Follow-up ERCP at 6 and 12 months demonstrated complete stenosis at the site of duct disruption. The value of ERCP in the pre-operative and follow-up management of traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts is discussed.     

The impact of technology on the management of pancreatic pseudocyst. Fifth annual Samuel Jason Mixter Lecture

The records of 299 patients with 357 admissions for pancreatic pseudocysts seen between 1960 and 1989 were studied; 233 patients underwent operation. The natural history of pancreatic pseudocysts has been clarified by newer technology, such as ultrasonography, computer tomography, amylase isoenzyme measurements, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. All have influenced diagnosis, nonoperative management, and surgical operation. Differences between pancreatic pseudocysts associated with acute pancreatitis in contrast with chronic pancreatitis, and the complications of obstruction, hemorrhage, rupture, pancreatic ascites, infection, and jaundice can now be more rationally treated. Pancreatic pseudocysts and pancreatic ductal changes are now revealed earlier, especially by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Paradoxically, this information has encouraged nonoperative conservative therapy and also larger operations, eg, resection and adjunctive pancreaticojejunostomy. Partial resection of the pancreas together with the pancreatic pseudocysts was performed in 58 (25%) of the 233 patients. Recent technology permits cautious exploration of selective pancreatic pseudocyst drainage percutaneously or transgastroduodenally avoiding laparotomy.     

闭合性胰腺损伤延误手术分析

目的 分析闭合性胰腺损伤延误手术的原因。方法 回顾性分析了下年来闭合性胰腺损伤延误手术治疗９例患者诊治过程。结果 胰腺闭合性损伤延误手术占胰腺闭合笥损伤手术６４％临床上均有不同程度上腹疼痛、呕吐、腹膜刺激征,伴休克２例。术前血淀粉权衡利弊检查６例,５例阳性;尿淀粉酶４例２例阳性,腹水淀粉酶检查３例,均为阳性。腹穿８例均阳性。Ｂ超共６例,确诊３例,ＣＴ检查３例,确诊１例。并发症发生率８０％。死亡１     

Laparoscopic cystojejunostomy as a treatment option for pancreatic pseudocysts in children--a case report

Pancreatic pseudocysts are a rare entity in children for which many approaches have been described. We report on the case of a 5-year-old boy with a pancreatic pseudocyst after blunt abdominal trauma. The patient's clinical and laboratory examination findings had also revealed an acute pancreatitis. His diagnostic workup included ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Two large cysts were found at the tail of the pancreas. No injury of the pancreatic or bile duct was found. The child underwent successful laparoscopic cystojejunostomy. The patient was free of complaints after more than 2 years of follow-up. Laparoscopic cystojejunostomy in children with pancreatic pseudocysts may represent an alternative treatment option for large pancreatic pseudocysts.     

MRI-cholangiopancreatography characteristics of cystic pancreatic tumors

STUDY AIM: The purpose was to assess the value of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to evaluate the diagnosis and surgical resectability of pancreatic cystic tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For MRCP, thick RARE and thin HASTE heavily T2-weighted sequences were performed with a 1.5 Tesla MR unit in 42 patients. Diffusion-weighted echo-planar sequences were performed in 16 patients. Surgical and histopathological correlation was obtained in 15 patients. RESULTS: MRCP detected all cystic lesions of the pancreas: 15 intraductal papillary mucinous tumors, 10 serous cystadenomas, 2 benign mucinous cystadenomas, 1 solid pseudopapillary tumor and 14 small cystic lesions (less than 2 cm) with no clinical signs. MRCP provided complete visualization of the pancreatic duct, showed excrescences within the dilated main or branch pancreatic ducts, identified microlacunar mixed and macrolacunar patterns, as well as septa, communications and stenosis, without contrast agent. MRCP did not characterize serous or mucinous cystic lesions. Specific diagnostic criteria of the various types of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors were noted (main duct, branch duct and combined types) and illustrated with the imaging findings necessary for accurate differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION: MRCP is a useful noninvasive and essential method in preoperative staging of cystic tumors of the pancreas; it is a reasonable alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endosonography, as it provides the necessary information for treatment: surgical decision and/or follow-up.