Endoscopic versus percutaneous drainage of symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections: a 14-year experience from a tertiary hepatobiliary centre

Beyond the Basics: Recommended Approach to Severe Acute Pancreatitis Management in the Critical Care Setting

Acute Pancreatitis (AP) poses a significant healthcare burden globally. While most cases present with a mild course, approximately one-fifth progress to severe forms characterized by severe pancreatitis and systemic complications, leading to a mortality rate of up to 40%. Effective management of severe acute pancreatitis necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, intensive care teams, and surgeons. The advances in treatment modalities, including early hydration, nutrition, and pain control, have led to a decrease in the morbidity and long-term complications associated with severe acute pancreatitis down to 20%. In this review, we focus on the management challenges and outcomes associated with the difficult condition of severe acute pancreatitis.

Endoscopic interventions for managing pancreatic fluid collections associated with acute pancreatitis: A state-of-the-art review (with videos)

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory disease, which may be associated with pancreatic and peri-pancreatic necrosis and development of (peri)pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). Interventions in acute pancreatitis have evolved over the years with a paradigm shift from open surgical drainage and necrosectomy to minimally invasive approaches. Depending on the presence of necrosis, the PFCs may be acute necrotic collections or acute pancreatic fluid collections, which evolve over a period of three to four weeks to walled-off necrosis and pseudocysts, respectively. Patients with symptomatic and infected PFCs require drainage. In general, drainage should be delayed beyond three to four weeks when the collection wall has matured and the necrotic debris is liquefied. However, some patients may merit early drainage (within the first three to four weeks), if they have suspected infected pancreatic necrosis and worsening organ dysfunction despite antibiotics and supporting therapy. Endoscopic transmural drainage and necrosectomy have now emerged as the most favored treatment modality in suitable pancreatic collections located predominantly in the lesser sac. Being minimally invasive, per-oral endoscopic direct necrosectomy is as effective as surgical necrosectomy in patients with infected necrotic collections but with fewer adverse events. Percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy is an important addition to our armamentarium for laterally placed collections as an effective alternative to surgical video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement. The current review provides an overview of the evolution, indications, approaches, techniques and outcomes of endoscopic interventions in the management of pancreatic fluid collections associated with acute pancreatitis. Future direction for better outcomes has been highlighted.

Practical management of severe acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) represents one of the most common reasons for hospital admission and intensive care treatment in internal medicine. The incidence of AP is increasing, posing significant financial burden on healthcare systems due to the necessity for frequent medical interventions. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a potentially life-threatening condition with substantial morbidity and mortality. The management of SAP requires prolonged hospitalization and the expertise of a multidisciplinary team, comprising emergency physicians, intensivists, internists, gastroenterologists, visceral surgeons, and experts in nutrition, infectious disease, endoscopy, as well as diagnostic and interventional radiology. Effective management and beneficial patient outcomes depend on continuous interdisciplinary collaboration. This review synthesizes recent evidence guiding the practical management of SAP, with a particular focus on emergency and intensive care settings. Both established as well as new diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms are highlighted, including workup, risk stratification, fluid management, analgesia, nutrition, organ support, imaging modalities and their timing, along with anti-infective strategies. Furthermore, the review explores interventions for local and vascular complications of SAP, with particular attention to the indications, timing and selection between endoscopic (both endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)), percutaneous and surgical approaches. Similarly, the management of biliary AP due to obstructive gallstones, including the imaging, timing of ERCP and cholecystectomy, are discussed. By integrating new evidence with relevant guidance for everyday clinical practice, this review aims to enhance the interdisciplinary approach essential for improving outcomes in SAP management.

Updates in the management of postoperative pancreatic fistula

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a common and dreaded complication after pancreatic resections and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Over the years, several different strategies have been investigated to prevent and mitigate POPF. However, when a POPF occurs, a consensus on the optimal management strategy of grade B and grade C POPF is still lacking, and the current management strategy is often based on local expertise and driven by patient's condition. Nevertheless, whereas the incidence of POPF after pancreatic surgery has remained stable, the overall mortality related to this complication has decreased over the years. This reflects an improvement in the management of this complication, which has become increasingly conservative. The aim of this review is to provide an updated evidence-based overview on the management strategies of POPF for surgeons and physicians in the clinical practice.

Coaxial plastic stent placement within lumen-apposing metal stents for the management of pancreatic fluid collections: a systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Coaxial placement of double pigtail plastic stents (DPPS) through lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) is commonly performed to reduce the risk of LAMS obstruction, bleeding, and stent migration when used for the drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the outcomes of LAMS alone and LAMS with coaxial DPPS placement in the management of PFCs.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify studies comparing LAMS and LAMS/DPPS for PFC drainage. Primary outcomes included the rate of clinical success, overall adverse events (AEs), bleeding, infection, occlusion, and stent migration. The pooled effect size was summarized using a random-effects model and compared between LAMS and LAMS/DPPS by calculating odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

Nine studies involving 709 patients were identified (338 on LAMS and 371 on LAMS/DPPS). LAMS/DPPS was associated with a reduced risk of stent obstruction (OR, 0.59; p=0.004) and infection (OR, 0.55; p=0.001). No significant differences were observed in clinical success (OR, 0.96; p=0.440), overall AEs (OR, 0.57; p=0.060), bleeding (OR, 0.61; p=0.120), or stent migration (OR, 1.03; p=0.480).

CONCLUSIONS

Coaxial DPPS for LAMS drainage of PFCs is associated with a reduced risk of stent occlusion and infection; however, no difference was observed in the overall AE rates or bleeding.

Pancreatic pseudocyst: The past, the present, and the future

A pancreatic pseudocyst is defined as an encapsulated fluid collection with a well-defined inflammatory wall with minimal or no necrosis. The diagnosis cannot be made prior to 4 wk after the onset of pancreatitis. The clinical presentation is often nonspecific, with abdominal pain being the most common symptom. If a diagnosis is suspected, contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the characteristics of the pseudocyst. Endoscopic ultrasound with cyst fluid analysis can be performed in cases of diagnostic uncertainty. Pseudocyst of the pancreas can lead to complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and rupture. The management of pancreatic pseudocysts depends on the presence of symptoms and the development of complications, such as biliary or gastric outlet obstruction. Management options include endoscopic or surgical drainage. The aim of this review was to summarize the current literature on pancreatic pseudocysts and discuss the evolution of the definitions, diagnosis, and management of this condition.

A technique for leaving long-term indwelling double-pigtail plastic stents after resolution of pancreatic fluid collections

Video 1Demonstration of the endoscopic technique of leaving long-term indwelling plastic stent(s) when a lumen-apposing metal stent is removed after pancreatic fluid collection resolution.

Recent Treatment Strategies for Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a leading gastrointestinal disease that causes hospitalization. Initial management in the first 72 h after the diagnosis of AP is pivotal, which can influence the clinical outcomes of the disease. Initial management, including assessment of disease severity, fluid resuscitation, pain control, nutritional support, antibiotic use, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in gallstone pancreatitis, plays a fundamental role in AP treatment. Recent updates for fluid resuscitation, including treatment goals, the type, rate, volume, and duration, have triggered a paradigm shift from aggressive hydration with normal saline to goal-directed and non-aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer's solution. Evidence of the clinical benefit of early enteral feeding is becoming definitive. The routine use of prophylactic antibiotics is generally limited, and the procalcitonin-based algorithm of antibiotic use has recently been investigated to distinguish between inflammation and infection in patients with AP. Although urgent ERCP (within 24 h) should be performed for patients with gallstone pancreatitis and cholangitis, urgent ERCP is not indicated in patients without cholangitis. The management approach for patients with local complications of AP, particularly those with infected necrotizing pancreatitis, is discussed in detail, including indications, timing, anatomical considerations, and selection of intervention methods. Furthermore, convalescent treatment, including cholecystectomy in gallstone pancreatitis, lipid-lowering medications in hypertriglyceridemia-induced AP, and alcohol intervention in alcoholic pancreatitis, is also important for improving the prognosis and preventing recurrence in patients with AP. This review focuses on recent updates on the initial and convalescent management strategies for AP.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic drainage versus percutaneous drainage for pancreatic fluid collection; a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) are debris or fluid of the pancreas that needs to be drained out. This may result from surgery or necrotizing pancreatitis. This meta-analysis compared the outcomes of PFC through endoscopic and percutaneous interventions.

METHODS

A medical database was searched up to June 2022, comparing the outcomes of endoscopic drainage (ED) and percutaneous drainage (PD) for the PFC. Eligible studies reporting clinical and technical success and adverse events were selected.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies with 1170 patients were included for meta-analysis, of which 543 patients underwent ED and 627 underwent PD. The odd ratio (OR) of technical success was 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31, 2.1) and clinical success was in the favor of the ED group at OR 2.23 (95% CI 1.45, 3.41). Adverse events OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.27, 1.39) and stent migration OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.10, 3.88) were the same in both groups, but hospital stay pooled mean difference of 15.02 days (95% CI 9.86, 20.18), mortality OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.09, 0.67), and re-interventions OR 0.25 (95% CI 0.16, 0.40) favored ED.

CONCLUSIONS

ED is safe and efficient for PFC with higher clinical success, lower mortality rate, hospital stay, and re-interventions compared with PD.

Endoscopic transgastric fenestration versus percutaneous drainage for management of (peri)pancreatic fluid collections adjacent to gastric wall (with video)

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous drainage (PCD) and endoscopic approaches have largely replaced surgical drainage as the initial approach for (peri) pancreatic fluid collections (PFC)s, while complications associated with endoscopic stent implantation are common.

AIM

To introduce a novel endoscopic therapy named endoscopic transgastric fenestration (ETGF), which involves resection of tissue by endoscopic accessory between gastric and PFCs without stent implantation, and to evaluate its efficacy and safety compared with PCD for the management of PFCs adjacent to the gastric wall.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with PFCs adjacent to the gastric wall and who subsequently received ETGF or PCD were restrospectively enrolled. Indications for intervention were consistent with related guidelines. We analyzed patients baseline characteristics, technical and clinical success rate, recurrence and reintervention rate, procedure-related complications and adverse events.

RESULTS

Seventy-two eligible patients were retrospectively identified (ETGF = 34, PCD = 38) from October 2017 to May 2021. Patients in the ETGF group had a significantly higher clinical success rate than those in the PCD group (97.1 vs 76.3%, P = 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences regarding recurrence, reintervention and incidence of complication between the two groups. While long-term catheter drainage was very common in the PCD group.

CONCLUSION

Compared with PCD, ETGF has a higher clinical success rate in the management of PFCs adjacent to the gastric wall. ETGF is an alternative effective strategy for the treatment of PFCs adjacent to the gastric wall.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided versus percutaneous drainage for the management of post-operative fluid collections after distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Post-operative pancreatic fluid collections (POPFCs) can be drained using percutaneous or endoscopic approaches. The primary aim of this study was to compare rates of clinical success between endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage (EUSD) with percutaneous drainage (PTD) in the management of symptomatic POPFCs after distal pancreatectomy. Secondary outcomes included technical success, total number of interventions, time to resolution, rates of adverse events (AEs), and POPFC recurrence.

METHODS

Adults who underwent distal pancreatectomy from January 2012 to August 2021 and developed symptomatic POPFC in the resection bed were retrospectively identified from a single academic center database. Demographic data, procedural data, and clinical outcomes were abstracted. Clinical success was defined as symptomatic improvement and radiographic resolution without requiring an alternate drainage modality. Quantitative variables were compared using a two-tailed t-test and categorical data were compared using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Of 1046 patients that underwent distal pancreatectomy, 217 met study inclusion criteria (median age 60 years, 51.2% female), of whom 106 underwent EUSD and 111 PTD. There were no significant differences in baseline pathology and POPFC size. PTD was generally performed earlier after surgery (10 vs. 27 days; p < 0.001) and more commonly in the inpatient setting (82.9% vs. 49.1%; p < 0.001). EUSD was associated with a significantly higher rate of clinical success (92.5% vs. 76.6%; p = 0.001), fewer median number of interventions (2 vs. 4; p < 0.001), and lower rate of POPFC recurrence (7.6% vs. 20.7%; p = 0.007). AEs were similar between EUSD (10.4%) and PTD (6.3%, p = 0.28), with approximately one-third of EUSD AEs due to stent migration.

CONCLUSION

In patients with POPFCs after distal pancreatectomy, delayed drainage with EUSD was associated with higher rates of clinical success, fewer interventions, and lower rates of recurrence than earlier drainage with PTD.

The Association of Polish Surgeons (APS) clinical guidelines for the use of laparoscopy in the management of abdominal emergencies. Part I

INTRODUCTION

Over the past three decades, almost every type of abdominal surgery has been performed and refined using the laparoscopic technique. Surgeons are applying it for more procedures, which not so long ago were performed only in the classical way. The position of laparoscopic surgery is therefore well established, and in many operations it is currently the recommended and dominant method.

AIM

The aim of the preparation of these guidelines was to concisely summarize the current knowledge on laparoscopy in acute abdominal diseases for the purposes of the continuous training of surgeons and to create a reference for opinions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The development of these recommendations is based on a review of the available literature from the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases from 1985 to 2022, with particular emphasis on systematic reviews and clinical recommendations of recognized scientific societies. Recommendations were formulated in a directive form and evaluated by a group of experts using the Delphi method.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

There are 63 recommendations divided into 12 sections: diagnostic laparoscopy, perforated ulcer, acute pancreatitis, incarcerated hernia, acute cholecystitis, acute appendicitis, acute mesenteric ischemia, abdominal trauma, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, laparoscopy in pregnancy, and postoperative complications requiring emergency surgery. Each recommendation was supported by scientific evidence and supplemented with expert comments. The guidelines were created on the initiative of the Videosurgery Chapter of the Association of Polish Surgeons and are recommended by the national consultant in the field of general surgery. The first part of the guidelines covers 5 sections and the following challenges for surgical practice: diagnostic laparoscopy, perforated ulcer, acute pancreatitis, incarcerated hernia and acute cholecystitis. Contraindications for laparoscopy and the ERAS program are discussed.

Endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: Progress and challenges

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) represents a severe condition in patients with acute pancreatitis. Invasive interventions are recommended in symptomatic INP. Growing evidence has suggested interventional strategies of INP evolving from traditional surgery to minimally invasive step-up endoscopic procedures. However, there is still no standardized protocol for endoscopic interventions. Recently, various studies have been published about the endoscopic management of INP. This article reviews published articles and guidelines to present the progress and challenges of endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy in INP.

Endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: Progress and challenges

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) represents a severe condition in patients with acute pancreatitis. Invasive interventions are recommended in symptomatic INP. Growing evidence has suggested interventional strategies of INP evolving from traditional surgery to minimally invasive step-up endoscopic procedures. However, there is still no standardized protocol for endoscopic interventions. Recently, various studies have been published about the endoscopic management of INP. This article reviews published articles and guidelines to present the progress and challenges of endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy in INP.

Endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: Progress and challenges

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) represents a severe condition in patients with acute pancreatitis. Invasive interventions are recommended in symptomatic INP. Growing evidence has suggested interventional strategies of INP evolving from traditional surgery to minimally invasive step-up endoscopic procedures. However, there is still no standardized protocol for endoscopic interventions. Recently, various studies have been published about the endoscopic management of INP. This article reviews published articles and guidelines to present the progress and challenges of endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy in INP.

Endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: Progress and challenges

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) represents a severe condition in patients with acute pancreatitis. Invasive interventions are recommended in symptomatic INP. Growing evidence has suggested interventional strategies of INP evolving from traditional surgery to minimally invasive step-up endoscopic procedures. However, there is still no standardized protocol for endoscopic interventions. Recently, various studies have been published about the endoscopic management of INP. This article reviews published articles and guidelines to present the progress and challenges of endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy in INP.

Role of interventional endoscopic ultrasound in a developing country

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool. EUS was introduced in 2013 in Indonesia and is considered relatively new. This study aimed to describe the current role of interventional EUS at our hospital as a part of the Indonesian tertiary health center experience.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all patients who underwent interventional EUS (n=94) at our center between January 2015 and December 2020. Patient characteristics, technical success, clinical success, and adverse events associated with each type of interventional EUS procedure were evaluated.

RESULTS

Altogether, 94 interventional EUS procedures were performed at our center between 2015 and 2020 including 75 cases of EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), 14 cases of EUS-guided pancreatic fluid drainage, and five cases of EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis. The technical and clinical success rates of EUS-BD were 98.6% and 52%, respectively. The technical success rate was 100% for both EUS-guided pancreatic fluid drainage and EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis. The adverse event rates were 10.6% and 7.1% for EUS-BD and EUS-guided pancreatic fluid drainage, respectively.

CONCLUSION

EUS is an effective and safe tool for the treatment of gastrointestinal and biliary diseases. It has a low rate of adverse events, even in developing countries.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound guided drainage of pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis after failure of percutaneous drainage

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) represents the gold standard for initial drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) due to various etiologies. However, data concerning salvage EUS drainage after initial percutaneous drainage are limited. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic collections after failure of percutaneous drainage.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted in a single, tertiary university center from August 2013 to January 2020. Indication was pancreatic collection after acute pancreatitis with PFC requiring EUS-guided drainage after failure of percutaneous drainage.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with PFC after acute pancreatitis were included (mean age 64.1 ± 11.3 years) of which 4/22 (18.2%) had pancreatic pseudocyst and 18/22 (81.8%) presented with a walled-off necrosis. Seventy-six interventions were performed among the 22 patients. Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) were used in 5/22 (22.7%) and double pigtail plastic stents in 17/22 (77.3%) of interventions with a median number intervention of 3 per patient (range 1 to 7). Technical success rate was 98.7% (75/76) with an overall clinical success of 81.8% (18/22). Procedure related adverse events rate was 9.1% (2/22) including one bleeding and one pancreatic fistula. Two non-procedure related deaths were observed.

CONCLUSION

EUS-guided pancreatic collection drainage is clinically effective and safe after clinical/technical failure of radiological percutaneous management.

Interventional Radiological Management and Prevention of Complications after Pancreatic Surgery: Drainage, Embolization and Islet Auto-Transplantation

Pancreatic surgery still remains burdened by high levels of morbidity and mortality with a relevant incidence of complications, even in high volume centers. This review highlights the interventional radiological management of complications after pancreatic surgery. The current literature regarding the percutaneous drainage of fluid collections due to pancreatic fistulas, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage due to biliary leaks and transcatheter embolization (or stent–graft) due to arterial bleeding is analyzed. Moreover, also, percutaneous intra-portal islet auto-transplantation for the prevention of pancreatogenic diabetes in case of extended pancreatic resection is also examined. Moreover, a topic not usually treated in other similar reviewsas percutaneous intra-portal islet auto-transplantation for the prevention of pancreatogenic diabetes in case of extended pancreatic resection is also one of our areas of focus. In islet auto-transplantation, the patient is simultaneously donor and recipient. Differently from islet allo-transplantation, it does not require immunosuppression, has no risk of rejection and is usually efficient with a small number of transplanted islets.

Giant Pseudocyst of the Pancreas: A Case Report

Pancreatic cysts are usually asymptomatic over 70% of the time. They can be benign or malignant. Enhanced imaging modalities and increased usage of routine imaging have increased the identification of pancreatic cysts. If symptomatic, abdominal pain or back pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, steatorrhea or palpable mass are usually the presenting complaints. Pancreatic cysts are typically assessed by cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this article, we present a case of a 33-year-old female with a recurrent large pancreatic pseudocyst, initially measured 15.8 cm x 14 cm x 14 cm, who was subsequently admitted to our unit and managed successfully. After undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy, exploratory laparotomy, and pancreatic cystogastrostomy, the pseudocyst shrunk to 8 cm x 6 cm over 13 weeks. It is rare to come across a pseudocyst of such large dimensions. Despite its large size, the patient presented with vague abdominal pain as the only chief complaint. The unusual presentation of symptoms and the enormous size of the pseudocyst make this a unique case. Managing giant pancreatic pseudocysts can be complex, as seen in this scenario by the multiple approaches attempted to treat the pseudocyst.

Giant Hemorrhagic Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A Case Report and Guidelines for Care

Pancreatic pseudocysts are potential sequelae of acute or chronic pancreatitis. In some cases, enzymatic degradation of the lining between a pseudocyst and the splenic artery, or surrounding vessels, can occur, resulting in a hemorrhagic pancreatic pseudocyst. Very few of these hemorrhagic pseudocysts meet the criteria for giant pseudocysts. We discuss the case of a 30-year-old male patient with a history of alcohol abuse who presented to the hospital with a giant hemorrhagic pancreatic pseudocyst; he was admitted for expectant management and was subsequently discharged. This case report seeks to shed light on the dearth of similar cases.

Endoscopic Versus Laparoscopic Drainage of Pancreatic Pseudocysts: a Cost-effectiveness Analysis

BACKGROUND

Both endoscopic and laparoscopic interventions have a high therapeutic success rate in the management of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts; however, neither has been established as the gold standard.

METHODS

A decision tree analysis was performed to examine the costs and outcomes of intervening on pancreatic pseudocysts endoscopically versus laparoscopically. Within the model, a theoretical patient cohort was separated into two treatment arms: endoscopic drainage and laparoscopic drainage. Variables within the model were selected from the published literature. Medicare reimbursements rates (US$) were used to represent costs accumulated during a 3-month perioperative period. Effectiveness was characterized by quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). A willingness-to-pay of $100,000 per 1 year of perfect health (1 QALY) gained was used as the cost-effectiveness threshold. The model was validated using one-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Endoscopic management of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts was the dominant strategy, producing 0.22 QALYs more while saving $23,976.37 in comparison to laparoscopic management. This result was further validated by one-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients presenting with symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts amenable to either endoscopic or laparoscopic management, endoscopic drainage should be considered first-line therapy.

Spontaneous Rupture and Hemorrhage of WON: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic pseudocysts are characterized by the leakage of pancreatic juice caused by various reasons, which leads to pancreatic juice accumulates around the pancreas, and stimulates the greater omentum and other tissues to form an area of fibrotic loculated effusion with an integrated capsule. Approximately, one-third of patients experienced recurrent pancreatic juice leakage, compression symptoms, infection, and bleeding, which requires surgical intervention, but spontaneous rupture cases are extremely rare.

CASE PRESENTATION

We here present the case of 40-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and vomiting for two days and 10 h, respectively. He had a history of chronic pancreatitis and pseudocysts. The symptoms of abdominal pain worsened in the second day. Laboratory tests showed a progressive decrease in hemoglobin. Then, emergency pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. Intraoperative exploration found a small blood clot in the abdominal cavity and a hematoma that had formed in the intestinal cavity and retroperitoneum.

CONCLUSION

This case showed that pseudocysts of the pancreas can rupture under certain circumstances, leading to intraperitoneal bleeding and hematoma formation, which can endanger the life of the patient. And surgical treatment can be the first choice for hemorrhagic pseudocysts.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Drainage in Children with Pancreatic Fluid Collections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Endoscopic drainage is an established treatment modality for adult patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). Available data regarding the efficacy and safety of endoscopic drainage in pediatric patients are limited. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to analyze the outcomes of endoscopic drainage in children with PFCs.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar for studies on the outcomes of endoscopic drainage with or without endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) guidance in pediatric patients with PFCs from inception to May 2021. The study's primary objective was clinical success, defined as resolution of PFCs. The secondary outcomes included technical success, adverse events, and recurrence rates.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies (187 children, 70.3% male) were included in this review. The subtypes of fluid collection included pseudocysts (60.3%) and walled-off necrosis (39.7%). The pooled technical success rates in studies where drainage of PFCs were performed with and without EUS guidance were 95.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.6-98%; I 2=0) and 93.9% (95% CI, 82.6-98%; I 2=0), respectively. The pooled clinical success after one and two endoscopic interventions were 88.7% (95% CI, 82.7-92.9%; I 2=0) and 92.3% (95% CI, 87.4-95.4%; I 2=0), respectively. The pooled rate of major adverse events was 6.3% (95% CI, 3.3-11.4%; I 2=0). The pooled rate of recurrent PFCs after endoscopic drainage was 10.4% (95% CI, 6.1-17.1%; I 2=0).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic drainage is safe and effective in children with PFCs. However, future studies are required to compare endoscopic and EUS-guided drainage of PFCs in children.

Management of severe acute pancreatitis in 2019

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) are frequent complications in severe acute pancreatitis that are the result of damage to the pancreas to include but not limited to trauma, surgery, autoimmune diseases, alcohol abuse, infections, medications, gallstones, metabolic disorders, and premalignant or malignant conditions. The majority of these collections resolve spontaneously; however, if the collection is infected or causes symptoms to include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fevers, and tachycardia, drainage is indicated. Drainage of PFCs can be accomplished surgically, percutaneously, or endoscopically and should be approached in a multidisciplinary fashion for best overall patient care and outcomes. Before the introduction of endoscopic procedures, surgical and percutaneous drainage was the preferred modality. Today a minimally-invasive "step-up" approach is generally accepted depending upon the specific characteristics of the PFC and clinical presentation. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided PFC drainage is favored due to high success rates, shorter hospital stays, and lower cost. Direct debridement of walled-off pancreatitis can now be performed endoscopically with higher success rates with larger caliber fully covered metal stents. At large, the field of endoscopic techniques has evolved, and more specifically, the management of PFCs continues to evolve with increasing experience and with the advent of new stents and accessories, leading to increased efficacy with less adverse events.

Endoscopic drainage versus percutaneous drainage for the management of infected walled-off necrosis: a comparative analysis

BACKGROUND

Comparative data on percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) vs EUS-guided drainage (EUS-D) for management of symptomatic walled-off-necrosis (WON), specially infected WON with/without organ failure(OF) is limited.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic WON were divided into two groups of PCD and EUS-D, depending on the modality of drainage. Resolution of OF, adverse events, and other outcome measures were recorded. The two modalities were compared among infected WON sub-cohort and also degree of solid component (SC).

RESULTS

218 patients (175 males; 80.3%) were included who underwent either PCD (n = 102) or EUS-D (n = 116). Clinical success was significantly higher in the EUS-D group (92.1% vs 64.6%; p < 0.0001) and even for infected WON (n = 128) (p = 0.004), with higher (p = 0.007) and faster (p < 0.0001) OF resolution. Other outcome measures including mortality were significantly higher in the PCD group. Among subgroups, PCD with >40% SC had the worst clinical success/OF resolution rates, while EUS-D with <40% SC had the best outcomes.

CONCLUSION

EUS-D should be preferred over PCD in the management of WON, infected or otherwise, for higher clinical success, and higher/faster resolution of OF. PCD should be avoided in WON with>40% SC.

Cystocolostomy as an unusual approach to recurrent pancreatic pseudocyst in a Ugandan male with dense hepatogastroduodenal adhesions: A case report

Introduction and importance

Pancreatic pseudocyst is one of the most frequent late complications of acute pancreatitis with increasing prevalence in chronic pancreatitis. Other causes include abdominal trauma, biliary tract disease, and other idiopathic causes. 85% resolve spontaneously within 4–6 weeks. Interventions are required for persistently symptomatic, large and complicated pancreatic pseudocysts. Cystocolostomy is a rarely reported pancreatic pseudocyst drainage option.

Case presentation

20-year-old male with large recurrent pancreatic pseudocyst following trauma underwent 2 exploratory laparotomies from a peripheral hospital, before referral to Lubaga hospital. Ultrasound-guided cyst drainage was performed. He was readmitted two weeks later with features of cyst recurrence. Re-laparotomy was done and the stomach, duodenum and proximal jejunum were inaccessible due to extensive dense non-obstructive adhesions. Therefore, we performed a transverse cystocolostomy. Patient improved and was discharged on 5th post-operative day. Review was unremarkable at 6 weeks and 3 months post-surgery.

Clinical discussion

Current management of pancreatic pseudocyst is percutaneous, endoscopic or laparoscopic drainage. However in cases of large recurrent cysts despite the above interventions, open surgery still has a role. Cystogastrostomy, cystoduodenostomy or cystojejunostomy are the commonly performed drainage options. These 3 options were not possible in this patient due to dense adhesions, hence we performed a transverse cystocolostomy with no post-operative complications. Possible complications from the procedure might include recurrent pancreatitis, pancreatic abscess and stool leak into the pancreatic duct.

Conclusion

In cases of inaccessibility to the stomach, duodenum and jejunum due to non-obstructing dense adhesions, a pancreatic cystocolostomy can be performed with equally good outcomes.

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A rarely reported alternative surgical option for large recurrent pancreatic pseudocysts.

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Pancreatic cystocolostomy has equally good outcomes.

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Challenges of dense adhesions in patients with repeat surgeries in the setting of pancreatitis.

Metal Versus Plastic Stents for Pancreatic Fluid Collection Drainage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The therapeutic efficacy of metal stents (MSs) for pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) is invariably controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the results of efficacy of MSs and plastic stents (PSs) in PFC drainage.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We performed a literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE for all of the published studies regarding the use of MSs and PSs for endoscopic transmural drainage of PFCs from January, 1 2015 to June 1, 2020. We extracted data from 9 studies (1359 patients) that met the inclusion criteria. The main outcome measures were the rates of treatment success, including technique success and clinical success (CS), adverse events, recurrence, procedure time, and length of hospital stay (LOS).

RESULTS

There was no difference in overall technique success between patients treated with MSs and PSs for PFCs. However, MSs showed a higher CS rate 92% versus 82% (P<0.01) and a lower overall adverse event rate 20% versus 31% (P<0.01) than PSs. The recurrence rate of PFCs using MSs also had significant advantages over PSs 3% versus 10% (P<0.01) and MSs needed a shorter procedure time than PSs (26.73 vs. 45.40 min, P<0.01). In comparing direct endoscopic necrosectomy use and LOS, there was no difference between MSs and PSs.

CONCLUSIONS

Bringing together the results of the current study, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of PFCs using MSs may be superior to PSs in terms of CS, adverse events rates and recurrence rate, with similar LOS and direct endoscopic necrosectomy use.

Sequential therapy with combined trans-papillary endoscopic naso-pancreatic and endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage for pancreatic pseudocysts

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage (ERPD) and stent implantation has become the major treatment method for pancreatic pseudocysts. However, it is associated with a high recurrence rate and infection.

AIM

To manage pancreatic pseudocysts by sequential therapy with endoscopic naso-pancreatic drainage (ENPD) combined with ERPD and evaluate the treatment outcome.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-two cases of pancreatic pseudocyst confirmed by endoscopic examination at our hospital between January 2014 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 152 cases of intubation via the duodenal papilla, of which 92 involved pancreatic duct stent implantation and 60 involved sequential therapy with combined ENPD and ERPD (two-step procedure). The success rate of the procedure, incidence of complications (infection, bleeding, etc.), recurrence, and length and cost of hospitalization were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of infection was significantly higher in the ERPD group (12 cases) than in the two-step procedure group (2 cases). Twelve patients developed infection in the ERPD group, and anti-infection therapy was effective in five cases but not in the remaining seven cases. Infection presented as fever and chills in the two-step procedure group. The reoperation rate was significantly higher in the ERPD group with seven cases compared with zero cases in the two-step procedure group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the recurrence rate was significantly higher in the ERPD group (19 cases) than in the two-step procedure group (0 cases).

CONCLUSION

Sequential therapy with combined ENPD and ERPD is safe and effective in patients with pancreatic pseudocysts.

Current status of treatments of pancreatic and peripancreatic collections of acute pancreatitis

Pancreatic and peripancreatic collections are the main local complications of acute pancreatitis with a high incidence. In the early phase, most acute pancreatic and peripancreatic collections can resolve spontaneously with supportive treatment. However, in some cases, they will develop into pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC) or walled-off necrosis (WON). When causing symptoms or coinfection, both PPC and WON may require invasive intervention. Compared to PPC, which can be effectively treated by endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage with plastic stents, the treatment of WON is more complicated and challenging, particularly in the presence of infected necrosis. In the past few decades, with the development of minimally invasive interventional technology especially the progression of endoscopic techniques, the standard treatments of those severe complications have undergone tremendous changes. Currently, based on the robust evidence from randomized controlled trials, the step-up minimally invasive approaches have become the standard treatments for WON. However, the pancreatic fistulae during the surgical step-up treatment and the stent-related complications during the endoscopic step-up treatment should not be neglected. In this review article, we will mainly discuss the indications of PPC and WON, the timing for intervention, and minimally invasive treatment, especially endoscopic treatment. We also introduced our preliminary experience in endoscopic gastric fenestration, which may be a promising innovative method for the treatment of WON.

Recurrent Pancreatic Pseudocysts Due to Alcohol-Related Chronic Pancreatitis With Double-Duct Sign and Spontaneous Rupture

A 36-year-old female presented with recurrent attacks of alcohol-related acute on chronic pancreatitis complicated by a pancreatic pseudocyst in the head of the pancreas. The cyst was causing obstruction of the common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic duct (PD) on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). She underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided aspiration of the cyst to dryness. A few months later, she presented with epigastric pain and jaundice. MRI pancreas and MRCP revealed a pancreatic cyst in the head of the pancreas, which had grown in size, compressing the CBD and PD with extra and intrahepatic biliary dilatation. There was a recurrence of a new lobulated peripancreatic pseudocyst, which had ruptured resulting in a large collection compressing the right renal capsule. Percutaneous drainage of the ruptured pseudocyst was performed, followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) that revealed distal CBD stricture, which was stented. Her symptoms improved and she was discharged with no further recurrences of obstructive jaundice during the one-year follow-up period.

Endoscopic cystogastrostomy: Still a viable option in children with symptomatic pancreatic fluid collection

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic transmural drainage is the preferred method of drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) in adults; however, there is scant literature in children. We analyzed our experience of 33 endoscopic cystogastrostomies done in 29 children to find its efficacy and safety.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected database of 31 consecutive children (<18 years) who underwent endoscopic cystogastrostomy from June 2013 to December 2017. The procedure was done using the standard technique with an adult duodenoscope. Data related to clinical details, technical success, complications and follow-up were collected.

RESULTS

The median age was 14 (3-17) years (22 males). Indications were early satiety in 28 (90%), vomiting in 15 (48%), and duodenal obstruction and infected pseudocyst in 2 children each. Etiology includes acute pancreatitis 22, post-traumatic 4 and chronic pancreatitis 5. The procedure was successful in 29 of 31 (93.5%) children with no mortality. Adverse events happened in four cases (12.9%); two infections, another with bleeding and another with pneumoperitonium, both of which resolved spontaneously. Incidents (minor bleeding) were noted in 6 (19%). Stents were removed in 26 (90%) after 12 (7-20) weeks and got spontaneously migrated out in 3 (10%) cases. Over a median follow-up of 26 (5-48) months, 26 (90%) had no recurrence of pseudocyst and 3 (10%) had recurrence of a small, asymptomatic pseudocyst.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic cystogastrostomy is a safe and effective method of draining bulging PFCs in children. The procedure carries acceptable morbidity with minimal recurrence. In younger children it may be the preferred method of drainage of PFCs.

Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in the management of peripancreatic collections. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Pancreatic fluid collections are surrounded by a wall of granulation tissue and may contain necrotic debris. They occur following a severe acute pancreatitis and most of the cases resolve spontaneously after several weeks. However, their management may lead to a very hardto-treat condition, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. During the last decades we assisted to a change of paradigm involving Endoscopic Ultrasonography, from a pure diagnostic technique to an interventional-therapeutic one, allowing an effective, safe and less invasive approach than other existing treatment standards, historically consisting of surgical and percutaneous drainage. Treatment of pancreatic fluid collections is indicated if they become infected or symptomatic. Over the past years, exponential developments were done in interventional endoscopic approach, making it the first line suggested modality. The use of endoscopic ultrasound allows assessment of the collection, even when it is not directly bulging on gastrointestinal wall, creation of an internal fistulous tract, checking for surrounding vessels with the use of Doppler, and deployment of a stent avoiding the discomfort of external tubes. Several types of stent have been used for endoscopic drainage: plastic double pigtail stents, fully covered self-expanding metal stents and, more recently, lumen apposing metal stents, which are considered revolutionary because of their two-side flanges and wide and short internal channel, a new design that made easier direct endoscopic necrosectomy. This review aims to go through currently available literature on the diagnostic and therapeutic role of Endoscopic Ultrasonography to handle pancreatic fluid collections.

Pancreatic pseudocyst extending into psoas muscle mimicking acute complicated diverticulitis: A case report

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Pancreatic pseudocysts (PP) are known sequelae of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

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Pseudocyst extension into the psoas muscles have been rarely described.

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Pancreatic pseudocyst can also masquerade as complicated diverticulitis.

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This is a rare case of PP successfully managed with percutaneous drainage.

Introduction and importance

Pancreatic pseudocysts (PP) are known sequelae of pancreatitis. In this case, we present a patient with a pancreatic pseudocyst extending to the left psoas muscle, initially masquerading as acute complicated diverticulitis.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old male with previous episode of pancreatitis presented with a one-week history of abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed left lower quadrant tenderness. A computed tomography (CT) showed a large intraperitoneal fluid collection extending to the left psoas muscle with segmental inflammation of the descending colon. The patient was managed medically with empiric antibiotic therapy for concern of complicated diverticulitis. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage was performed and fluid analysis showed lipase >20,000 U/L. The patient was discharged home with the drain. At one month follow up a repeat CT showed resolution of the left psoas fluid collection. The drain was removed and the patient remained asymptomatic at two month follow-up.

Clinical discussion

Pancreatic pseudocysts are well-known complications of pancreatitis. In this case, we describe extension of a pseudocyst to the left psoas muscle. We identified twelve previously reported patients diagnosed with PP involving the psoas muscles. Our case is unique as there is no previously published case in which a pseudocyst masqueraded as complicated diverticulitis. In analysis of the literature, most patients were managed with percutaneous drainage. Only 50% had documented complete resolution on follow up; of those 75% had undergone percutaneous drainage.

Conclusion

Pancreatic pseudocysts that extend to the psoas muscle can mimic acute complicated diverticulitis upon presentation. These may be effectively managed with percutaneous drainage.

Percutaneous direct pancreatic duct intervention in management of pancreatic fistulas: a primary treatment or temporizing therapy to prepare for elective surgery

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates preliminary results of image-guided percutaneous direct pancreatic duct intervention in the management of pancreatic fistula after surgery or pancreatitis when initially ineligible for surgical or endoscopic therapy.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2018 the medical records of all patients that underwent percutaneous pancreatic duct intervention for radiographically confirmed pancreatic fistula initially ineligible for surgical or endoscopic repair were reviewed for demographics, clinical history, procedure details, adverse events, procedure related imaging and laboratory results, ability to directly catheterized the main pancreatic duct, and whether desired clinical objectives were met.

RESULTS

In 10 of 11patients (6 male and 5 female with mean age 60.5, range 39-89) percutaneous pancreatic duct cannulation was possible. The 10 duct interventions included direct ductal suction drainage in 7, percutaneous duct closure in 3 and stent placement in 1. Pancreatic fistulas closed in 7 of 10, 2 were temporized until elective surgery, and 1 palliated until death from malignancy. The single patient with failed duct cannulation resolved the fistula with prolonged catheter drainage of the peri-pancreatic cavity. There were no major adverse events related to intervention.

CONCLUSION

In patients with pancreatic fistulas initially ineligible for endoscopic therapy or elective surgery, direct percutaneous pancreatic duct interventions are possible, can achieve improvement without major morbidity or mortality, and can improve and maintain the medical condition of patients in preparation for definitive surgery.

Open Abdomen Treatment in Acute Pancreatitis

Background: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a heterogeneous and life-threatening disease. While recent guidelines recommend a stepwise approach starting with non-surgical techniques, emergency laparotomy remains inevitable in certain situations. Open abdomen treatment (OAT) may follow, potentially resulting in additional risks for severe morbidity. Causative factors and clinical impact of OAT in SAP are poorly understood and therefore issue of the present study. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at University of Bonn suffering from acute pancreatitis (ICD K.85) between 2005 and 2020 was performed. Medical records were screened for demographic, clinical and outcome parameters. Patients who received primary fascial closure (PFC) were compared to those patients requiring OAT. SAP-specific scores were calculated, and data statistically analyzed (P = 0.05). Results: Among 430 patients included, 54 patients (13%) had to undergo emergency laparotomy for SAP. Patients were dominantly male (72%) with a median age of 51 years. Indications for surgery were infected necrosis (40%), suspected bowel perforation (7%), abdominal compartment syndrome (5%), and acute intra-abdominal hemorrhage (3%). While 22 patients (40%) had PFC within initial surgery, 33 patients (60%) required OAT including a median of 12 subsequent operations (SD: 6, range: 1-24). Compared to patients with PFC, patients in the OAT group had significantly fewer biliary SAP (P = 0.031), higher preoperative leukocyte counts (P = 0.017), higher rates of colon resections (P = 0.048), prolonged ICU stays (P = 0.0001), and higher morbidity according to Clavien-Dindo Classification (P = 0.002). Additionally, BISAP score correlated positively with the number of days spent at ICU and morbidity (P = 0.001 and P = 0.000002). Both groups had equal mortality rates. Discussion: Our data suggest that preoperative factors in surgically treated SAP may indicate the need for OAT. The procedure itself appears safe with equal hospitalization days and mortality rates compared to patients with PFC. However, OAT may significantly increase morbidity through longer ICU stays and more bowel resections. Thus, minimally invasive options should be promoted for an uncomplicated and rapid recovery in this severe disease. Emergency laparotomy will remain ultima ratio in SAP while patient selection seems to be crucial for improved clinical outcomes.

Pancreatic pseudocyst: Dilemma of its recent management (Review)

Advances in radiological techniques have led to an increase in the number of diagnoses of pancreatic pseudocyst, which is the most common pancreatic cyst lesion disease, accounting for two-thirds of all pancreatic cyst lesions. Historically, the management of pancreatic pseudocyst has been achieved through the use of conservative treatments and surgery; however, due to the complications and recurrence rate associated with these techniques, the management of pancreatic pseudocyst is challenging. Surgeons and gastroenterologists have attempted to determine the optimal management technique to treat pancreatic pseudocyst to reduce complications and the recurrence rate. From these investigations, percutaneous catheter, surgical and endoscopic drainage with ultrasonography guidance have become promising management techniques. The present review aimed to summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic methods used for the management of pancreatic pseudocyst and to compare percutaneous catheter, surgical and endoscopic drainage.

Is endoscopic drainage better than percutaneous drainage for patients with pancreatic fluid collections? A comparative meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

though endoscopic and percutaneous drainage have emerged as the most common minimally invasive treatments for pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), estimates of therapeutic superiority for either treatment have yielded inconsistent results.

METHODS

we retrieved studies comparing the efficacy and safety of these two approaches in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Primary outcomes were differences in technical success, clinical success, and adverse events, and secondary outcomes included differences in reintervention, need for surgical intervention, mortality, recurrence rate, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

there were nonsignificant differences in technical success rate (OR 0.54; CI: 0.15-1.86), clinical success rate (OR 1.39; CI: 0.82-2.37), adverse events rate (OR 1.21; CI: 0.70-2.11), mortality rate (OR 0.81; CI: 0.30-2.16), and recurrence rate (OR 1.94; CI 0.74-5.07) between the two groups. Reintervention rate (OR 0.19; CI: 0.08-0.45) and percentage of need for surgical intervention (OR 0.08; CI: 0.02-0.39) in the endoscopic drainage group were much lower than in the percutaneous drainage group. Total length of hospital stay (standard mean difference [SMD] -0.60; CI: -0.84 to -0.36) in the endoscopic drainage group was shorter; however, there was a nonsignificant difference in the length of post-procedure hospital stay (SMD: -0.30; CI: -1.05-0.44) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

endoscopic drainage is effective for PFCs, and superior in terms of lower reintervention and need for surgery rates over traditional percutaneous drainage, despite a similar clinical efficacy and safety compared with traditional percutaneous drainage.

Comparison of percutaneous vs endoscopic drainage in the management of pancreatic fluid collections: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Currently, endoscopic drainage (ED) and percutaneous drainage (PD) are both widely used effective interventions in the management of patients with symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness and safety of ED to those of PD in the treatment of PFCs.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of PFC patients who underwent ED or PD was conducted between January 2009 and December 2017. In this study, the initial success rate, adverse events, intervention, requirement of surgical treatment, hospital mortality within 30 days, length of hospital stay, and expenses during hospitalization were monitored, and a follow-up investigation of treatment outcome was conducted. Long-term recovery, recurrence, and mortality were determined according to telephone follow up.

RESULTS

In total, 129 patients were included in the study; 62 patients underwent ED, and 67 patients underwent PD during the 8-year study period. Initial treatment success was considerably higher in patients whose PFCs were managed by ED than in patients whose PFCs were managed by PD (94.9% vs 65.0%, P = 0.003). The rate of procedural adverse events, reintervention, length of hospitalization, and expense were all higher in the PD group than in the ED group, but the long-term recovery rate and requirement of surgical intervention were not clearly different between patients who underwent the two treatment measures.

CONCLUSION

ED of symptomatic PFCs was associated with higher rates of initial treatment success, lower rates of reintervention and adverse events, and a shorter hospital stay than PD of symptomatic PFCs.

A Comparison of Endoscopic Versus Surgical Creation of a Cystogastrostomy to Drain Pancreatic Pseudocysts and Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis in 5500 Patients

Objective

To determine the success, morbidity, and mortality rates of endoscopic and surgical creation of pancreatic cystenterostomies for the drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections, pseudocysts with necrotic debris, and walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

Summary Background Data

Endoscopic methods of cystenterostomy creation to drain pancreatic pseudocysts (with and without necrotic debris) and infected peripancreatic fluid collections are perceived to be less morbid than surgery. Contemporary reports document a very high complication rate with endoscopic methods.

Methods

A meta-analysis of 5500 patients.

Results

Open and laparoscopic surgical techniques to drain chronic pancreatic pseudocysts, infected pancreatic fluid collections, and walled-off pancreatic necrosis are more successful with less morbidity and mortality than endoscopic methods.

Conclusions

In regards to a surgical step-up approach to treat chronic infected pancreatic fluid collections or walled-off pancreatic necrosis, surgical creation of a cystenterostomy is more successful with fewer complications than endoscopic methods and should be given priority if less invasive or conservative methods fail.

Outcomes of a single-step endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic-fluid collections using an electrocautery-enhanced coaxial lumen-apposing, self-expanding metal stent with and without fluoroscopy

Background

Fluoroscopy is often used during the endoscopic drainage of pancreatic-fluid collections (PFCs). An electrocautery-enhanced coaxial lumen-apposing, self-expanding metal stent (ELAMS) facilitates a single-step procedure and may avoid the need for fluoroscopy. This study compares the treatment outcomes using ELAMS with and without fluoroscopy.

Methods

Patients with PFCs who had cystogastrostomy from January 2014 to February 2017 were enrolled. Two groups were studied based on fluoroscopy use. Technical success was defined as uneventful insertion of ELAMS at time of procedure. Clinical success was defined as (i) clinical resolution of symptoms after the procedure and (ii) >75% reduction in cyst size on computed tomography 8 weeks after stent placement. Adverse events including bleeding, stent migration, and infection were recorded.

Results

A total of 21 patients (13 males) had PFCs drainage with ELAMS in the study period. The mean age was 51.6 ± 14.2 years. Thirteen patients had walled-off necrosis while eight had a pancreatic pseudocyst. The mean size of the PFCs was 11.3 ± 3.3 cm. Fluoroscopy was used in seven cases (33%) and was associated with a longer procedure time compared to non-fluoroscopy (43.1 ± 10.4 vs 33.3 ± 10.5 min, P = 0.025). This association was independent of the size, location, or type of PFCs. Fluoroscopy had no effect on the technical success rates. In fluoroless procedures, the clinical resolution was 91% as compared to 71% in fluoroscopy procedures (P = 0.52) and the radiologic resolution was 57% as compared to 71% in fluoroscopy procedures (P = 0. 65). Three cases of stent migration/displacement occurred in the fluoroless procedures.

Conclusions

ELAMS may avoid the need for fluoroscopy during cystogastrostomy. Procedures without fluoroscopy were significantly shorter and fluoroscopy use had no impact on the technical or clinical success rates.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Pancreatic Pseudocyst drainage experience at a tertiary care unit

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical success, technical success and complications related to Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided Pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC) drainage.

Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted on the patients with symptomatic PPC who presented over a period of three years, between January 2015 and September 2018, at Endoscopic Suite of Surgical Unit 4, Civil Hospital, Karachi. Record was analyzed for demographic data, indications for the procedure, complications and success related to EUS guided drainage. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS Version 22.

Results:

Total number of patients was 71. Mean age was 37.20 ± 17.27 years with a range of 6 to 68 years. Complications occurred in 12 (8.52%) patients, including stent migration (5/12), bleeding (4/12), infection (1/12), intra-abdominal abscess (1/12) and perforation (1/12). Technical success was achieved in 100% and clinical success in 97.1%. There was no procedure-related mortality.

Conclusion:

Pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC) is a known complication of acute as well as chronic pancreatitis which can have dreaded and appalling effects. In this part of the world with limited and scarce resources, EUS guided drainage of PPC is most feasible and rational with minimal complications, thus making it a front runner procedure.

Management of pancreatic collections: an update

Pancreatic fluid collections frequently occur in the context of moderate and severe acute pancreatitis, and may also appear as a complication of chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery or trauma. It is essential to adhere to the Atlanta classification nomenclature that subclassifies them into four categories (acute peripancreatic fluid collections, acute necrotic collections, pseudocysts, and walled-off necrosis) since it has an impact on prognosis and management. Pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis are encapsulated pancreatic fluid collections characterized by a surrounding inflammatory wall, which typically develops three to four weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis. Most pancreatic fluid collections resolve spontaneously and do not require intervention. However, when they become symptomatic or complicated drainage is indicated, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage has become first-line treatment of encapsulated collections. Drainage of pseudocysts is relatively straightforward due to their liquid content. However, in walled-off necrosis the presence of solid necrotic debris can make treatment more challenging and therefore multidisciplinary management in experienced centers is recommended, being a step-up approach the current standard of care. In this review, we aim to address the management of pancreatic fluid collections with an especial focus on endoscopic drainage.

The augmented role of pancreatic imaging in the era of endoscopic necrosectomy: an illustrative and pictorial review

Endoscopic cystogastrostomy for mature pancreatic collections has long been recognized. However, FDA approval of newer lumen-apposing metallic stents in 2014 has now brought pancreatic necrosectomy to the endoscopic realm. Endoscopic drainage of Walled-off necrosis and direct endoscopic necrosectomy are technically challenging procedures with higher rates of complications. Collaborative clinical decision making both pre- and post-procedurally between the radiologist, endoscopist, and the surgeon can greatly improve outcomes in necrotizing pancreatitis. Herein, we review the basic pathophysiology that underlies progressive radiographic findings in NP, value of preprocedural imaging, current management algorithms, newer tools, and techniques as well as potential post-procedure complications on imaging follow-up after endoscopic interventions in necrotizing pancreatitis.

Lumen-apposing metal stents versus biliary fully-covered metal stents for EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: a case control study: Meeting presentations: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ESGE Days 2018

Background and study aims  Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage has become first-line treatment for pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of biliary fully-covered self-expandable metal stents (BFCSEMS) and lumen-apposing metal stents with electrocautery (EC-LAMS). Patients and methods  From April 2008 to March 2017, consecutive patients with symptomatic PFC drained under EUS-guidance with metal stents were included. Patients drained with EC-LAMS were considered the study group and those drained with BFCSEMS the control group. Two primary endpoints were evaluated: effectiveness (defined as reduction of ≥ 50 % of PFC size in cross-sectional imaging and improvement of symptoms 6 months after the transmural drainage) and safety. Results  Thirty patients were drained with EC-LAMS and 60 patients with BFCSEMS. Patients and PFC baseline characteristics in both groups were similar. Use of a coaxial double pigtail plastic stent and a nasocystic lavage catheter was significantly less frequent in patients drained with EC-LAMS (33 % vs. 100 %, and 13 % vs. 58 %, respectively; P  < 0.0001). Technical success was 100 % in both groups. Procedure time was < 30 minutes in all patients drained with EC-LAMS and over 30 minutes in all patients drained with BFCSEMS ( P  = 0.0001). Clinical success was higher with a tendency to significance in patients drained with EC-LAMS (96 % vs. 82 %, P  = 0.055) and the adverse event rate was lower (4 % vs. 18 %, P  = 0.04). No case of procedure-related mortality was recorded. Conclusions  EC-LAMS and BFCSEMS are both effective for EUS-guided drainage of PFC. However, EC-LAMS requires less time to be performed and appears to be safer.

Endoscopic and surgical drainage for pancreatic fluid collections are better than percutaneous drainage: Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) and walled-off necrosis can be managed endoscopically, percutaneously or surgically, but with diverse efficacy.

AIMS & METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was carried out from inception to December 2018, to identify articles which compared at least two of the three kinds of treatment modalities, regarding the mortality, clinical success, recurrence, complications, cost and length of hospitalisation (LOH).

RESULTS

The outcomes of endoscopic (ED) and percutaneous drainage (PD) were comparable in six articles. The clinical success of endoscopic intervention was better considering any types of fluid collections (OR = 3.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48, 7.63; p = 0.004). ED was preferable regarding recurrence of PP (OR = 0.23; 95% CI 0.08, 0.66; p = 0.006). Fifteen articles compared surgical intervention with ED. Significant difference was found in postoperative LOH (WMD (days) = -4.61; 95%CI -7.89, -1.33; p = 0.006) and total LOH (WMD (days) = -3.67; 95%CI -5.00, -2.34; p < 0.001) which favored endoscopy, but ED had lower rate of clinical success (OR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.35, 0.85; p = 0.007) and higher rate of recurrence (OR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.16, 2.79; p = 0.009) in the treatment of PP. Eleven studies compared surgical and percutaneous intervention. PD resulted in higher rate of recurrence (OR = 4.91; 95% CI 1.82, 13.22; p = 0.002) and lower rate of clinical success (OR = 0.13; 95% CI 0.07, 0.22, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both endoscopy and surgery are preferable over percutaneous intervention, furthermore endoscopic treatment is associated with shorter hospitalisation than surgery.

Comparison of endoscopic versus percutaneous drainage of symptomatic pancreatic necrosis in the early (< 4 weeks) phase of illness

Background and Objective

Pancreatic fluid collections in early phase of illness <4 weeks after onset of acute pancreatitis (AP) are usually treated with percutaneous drainage (PCD). There is a paucity of data comparing early (<4 weeks) endoscopic transluminal drainage (ETD) with PCD in patients with symptomatic pancreatic necrosis (PN). The objective of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of early ETD with PCD in patients with symptomatic PN.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective analysis of database of patients with symptomatic PN treated early (<4 weeks of onset of AP) with either ETD (encapsulated wall on EUS) or PCD.

Results

Twenty-three patients (19 M; mean age: 36.1 years) were treated with ETD and 41 patients (29 M; mean age: 39.6 years) were treated with PCD, respectively. ETD and PCD were done 24.2 ± 2.3 and 24.2 ± 2.0 days after onset of AP, respectively (P = 0.84). In the ETD group, 35% of patients were treated with self-expanding metallic stents and 48% of patients required direct endoscopic necrosectomy. In the PCD group, 74% of patients were treated with multiple catheters and 91% of patients with either saline or streptokinase irrigation. As compared to the ETD group, patients in the PCD group took longer time for resolution (61.9 ± 22.9 days vs. 30.9 ± 5.6 days; P < 0.00001), increased need for surgery (30% vs. 4%; P = 0.01), and frequency of formation of external pancreatic fistula (EPF) (22% vs. nil; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

ETD of PN in early phase of illness is associated with a shorter duration for resolution and infrequent need of salvage surgery compared to PCD. EPF formation is a significant adverse event with PCD.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Versus Percutaneous Drainage for the Recurrent Pancreatic Fluid Collections

BACKGROUND Ultrasonography-guided percutaneous drainage for pancreatic fluid collections is associated with a high recurrence rate and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided drainage is a valuable approach. Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous and EUS-guided drainage for the recurrent pancreatic fluid collections. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of percutaneous-guided and EUS-guided procedures for pancreatic fluid collections drainages at a single tertiary care center between February 2017 and May 2018 was performed. Treatment success, adverse events, recurrence, need for surgery, length of hospital stays, and number of follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan were assessed. RESULTS A total of 119 pancreatic fluid collections treated with initial percutaneous drainage were included in this study and 35 patients had recurrent pancreatic fluid collections. Recurrent patients were classified based on drainage method: EUS-guided drainage (18 patients) and the second percutaneous drainage (17 patients). EUS-guided drainage revealed a shorter length of hospital stays (P<0.001), less re-intervention (P=0.047), fewer number of follow-up CT scans (P=0.006) compared with the initial percutaneous drainage. Furthermore, we also compared the clinical outcomes between the EUS-guided drainage and the second percutaneous drainage for the recurrent PFC after initially failed percutaneous drainage. EUS-guided drainage showed higher clinical success (P=0.027), shorter length of hospital stays (P<0.001), less re-intervention (P=0.012), fewer number of follow-up CT scan (P<0.001) and less recurrence P=0.027) compared to the second percutaneous drainage procedure. CONCLUSIONS EUS-guided drainage is an effective and appropriate method to treat the recurrent pancreatic fluid collections after initially failed percutaneous drainage procedure, with the advantage of higher clinical success, shorter length of hospital stays, less re-intervention, fewer number of follow-up CT scan and less recurrence compared to the percutaneous drainage.