The records of 92 patients with symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts referred for surgical management over a 27-year period were retrospectively reviewed to compare outcome in 42 patients managed with operative internal drainage procedures (group I) with that in 52 patients managed with computed tomography-directed percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) (group II). The two groups were similar for patient age, sex, pseudocyst location, and cause. The frequency of antecedent pseudocyst-associated complications was less in group I (16.7 versus 38.5%, p less than 0.05). Seven group I patients and four group II patients had major complications (16.7 versus 7.7%, not significant). Group II mean duration of catheter drainage was 42.1 days, and the drain track infection rate was 48.1%. The frequency of antecedent operative cyst drainage was similar (14.2 versus 13.5%), as was the frequency of subsequent operations for complications related to chronic pancreatitis (9.5 versus 19.2%, not significant). Mortality rate was greater in group I (7.1% versus 0%, p less than 0.05). Pseudocysts can be effectively managed either by open operation with internal drainage or by PCD. Drawbacks of PCD include the controlled external pancreatic fistula and the risk of drain track infection. Percutaneous catheter drainage has the following advantages: (1) low mortality rate, (2) does not require a major operation, (3) does not violate the operative field in cases when subsequent retrograde duct drainage procedures are required. Neither PCD nor internal drainage is definitive, and with either technique subsequent correction of underlying pancreatic pathology may be necessary.

ObjectiveTo assess the outcome of lateral pancreaticojejunostomy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Summary Background DataChronic fibrocalcific pancreatitis associated with pancreatic ductal dilation and chronic pain has been managed successfully with lateral pancreaticojejunostomy. Early results, measured by pain relief and postoperative morbidity and mortality, have been excellent; however, long-term followup and overall outcome has been less clearly defined in these patients. MethodsThe outcome of 85 patients who had lateral pancreaticojejunostomy was assessed by reviewing hospital inpatient and outpatient records and conducting patient telephone interviews. ResultsOf 62 patients who were alive at follow-up, health status was characterized as good in 24%, fair in 31 %, and poor in 45%. Alcohol abuse continued in 42% of patients, whereas narcotic use continued in 35%, insulin use continued in 23%, and pancreatic enzyme supplementation continued in 34%. Rehospitalization for recurrent attacks of pancreatitis and pain was necessary in 40% of patients. Six patients required subsequent operations for complications of chronic pancreatitis. Death occurred in 22 patients (26%) and resulted from continued alcohol abuse, progression of chronic pancreatitis, or late complications of the operation in more than one half the cases. ConclusionsAlthough lateral pancreaticojejunostomy provided pain relief, had a low morbidity rate, and no early postoperative deaths, long-term outcome was poor based on the patient's health status, continued alcohol and narcotic use, employment status, subsequent hospitalization to treat recurrent pancreatitis or its complications, subsequent operations required for complications of chronic pancreatitis, and postoperative deaths related to comorbid medical conditions or complications of chronic pancreatitis. 481

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