Pancreatic Tail Cysts

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the optimal surgical strategy in patients with pancreatic tail cysts infiltrating the spleen, stomach, left diaphragmatic dome, or transverse colon mesentery. Material and methods. From 1997 through 2004, 184 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts were evaluated and treated in our Department. In 63 of those cases (34.2%), the lesion was located in the tail of the pancreas, and was classified as type II or III according to D'Egidio and Schein. Results. Combined pancreatic tail and splenic resection was performed in 32 subjects (51%), 13 (20%) underwent external drainage / marsupialisation, 11 (18%) had a Roux-en-Y pancreaticocystojejunostomy, and one patient underwent a Duval operation. Endoscopic drainage to the stomach (pancreatocystogastrostomy) was used in one subject; another five patients who had previously undergone external drainage / marsupialisation and developed a recurrent cyst within four months after the primary procedure were selected for pancreaticocystojejunostomy. Thus, internal drainage was performed in a total of 18 patients (28%). Conclusions. Based on our experience, we prefer pancreatic tail resection (with splenectomy) in those patients who present to the hospital with involvement of the neighbouring organs.