Drainage of Pancreatic Abscesses and Cysts Under Ultrasound Control

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and cysts under ultrasound control during acute pancreatitis. Material and methods. During the period between 1985 and 2004, 103 patients were hospitalized at The Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Regional Specialistic Hospital in Tychy, due to pancreatic pseudocysts or abscesses. Pancreatic abscesses were observed in 36 patients, while the remaining 67 patients were diagnosed with pseudocysts. Percutaneous drainage was indicated to treat pancreatic liquid cisterns when the cistern exceeded 4-6 cm in diameter, and had no tendency towards idiopathic absorption. Drainage procedures were performed in the operating room with the use of a 3,5MHz linear probe and "Cavafix" CH 18, "Nephrofix" 10-15 or "Cystofix" 10-15 kits. Results. Recovery following percutaneous drainage was obtained in 33 of 36 (91,7%) patients with pancreatic pseudocysts, and in 60 of 67 (89,5%) patients with pancreatic abscesses. The average duration of the drainage amounted to 19.25 days in case of peudocysts and 30.2 days in case of abscesses. Six patients with pseudocysts and three with abscesses required surgical intervention due to inefficient inefficiency drainage. Pseudocyst infections were the most common complications observed following drainage and were seen in 12 (17.9%) patients. Conclusions. In selected cases, drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and cysts under ultrasound control may be an alternative to surgery. This method is highly recommended as it is less invasive, improves the patient's life comfort and reduces treatment costs.