Pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) present a challenging problem for physicians dealing with pancreatic disorders. Their management demands the co-operation of surgeons, radiologists and gastroenterologists. Historically, they have been treated either conservatively or surgically, with acceptable rates of complications and recurrence. However, recent advances in radiology and endoscopy, have leaded physicians to implement percutaneous and endoscopic drainage (ED) into their treatment algorithms. Moreover, laparoscopic surgery, with its advantages, has become an attractive alternative choice when surgical drainage (SD) is required. The aim of this review is to summarize the main diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the management of pseudocysts and to present the main studies that compare the three different types of pseudocyst drainage.

Objective:The ISGPS aimed to develop a universally accepted definition for PPAP for standardized reporting and outcome comparison.Background: :PPAP is an increasingly recognized complication after partial pancreatic resections, but its incidence and clinical impact, and even its existence are variable because an internationally accepted consensus definition and grading system are lacking.Methods:The ISGPS developed a consensus definition and grading of PPAP with its members after an evidence review and after a series of discussions and multiple revisions from April 2020 to May 2021.Results:We defined PPAP as an acute inflammatory condition of the pancreatic remnant beginning within the first 3 postoperative days after a partial pancreatic resection. The diagnosis requires (1) a sustained postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (POH) greater than the institutional upper limit of normal for at least the first 48 hours postoperatively, (2) associated with clinically relevant features, and (3) radiologic alterations consistent with PPAP. Three different PPAP grades were defined based on the clinical impact: (1) grade postoperative hyperamylasemia, biochemical changes only; (2) grade B, mild or moderate complications; and (3) grade C, severe life-threatening complications.Discussions:The present definition and grading scale of PPAP, based on biochemical, radiologic, and clinical criteria, are instrumental for a better understanding of PPAP and the spectrum of postoperative complications related to this emerging entity. The current terminology will serve as a reference point for standard assessment and lend itself to developing specific treatments and prevention strategies.

Seed bezoars are a subcategory of phytobezoars, caused by consumption of indigestible vegetable or fruit seeds. We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient, who presented at the Emergency Department, complaining of constipation, tenesmus and rectal pain. History and digital examination revealed a rectal seed bezoar due to sunflower seeds, impacted in the lower rectum. The patient underwent manual disimpaction under general anaesthesia, after conservative measures failed. Seed bezoars represent a different pathophysiological process compared to fibre bezoars. They are usually found in the rectum of patients without predisposing factors, causing constipation and anorectal pain. History taking and digital rectal examination are the cornerstones of diagnosis, with manual disimpaction under general anaesthesia being the procedure of choice.

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