Endotherapy for complications of pancreatitis: ready for prime time

Spontaneous Free Peritoneal Perforation of an Infected Pancreatic Fluid Collection Managed with Laparoscopic Drainage and Necrosectomy

Introduction

Free peritoneal perforation of pancreatic fluid collections is extremely rare and only few case reports exist in the literature. Many of these patients undergo emergency exploratory laparotomy due to sepsis and haemodynamic instability requiring sepsis control. The use of laparoscopic techniques in this circumstance is limited by the haemodynamic stability of the patient and the technical challenges. But effective laparoscopic management is associated with less morbidity to the patient. Case Presentation. A 28-year-old patient presented with worsening generalized abdominal pain with increased inflammatory markers. She required persistent inotropic support despite adequate fluid resuscitation. She had transient acute renal impairment and acute respiratory distress, which improved with noninvasive support. CECT (contrast-enhanced computed tomography) showed an infected pancreatic fluid collection with peritoneal free fluid. Aspiration of pelvic collection showed purulent fluid. Based on these clinical and imaging findings, she was diagnosed with a free peritoneal perforation of an infected pancreatic fluid collection. She underwent a laparoscopic drainage and necrosectomy of the infected pancreatic collection and peritoneal washout. She had a gradual recovery. All inotropes were omitted on the second day following surgery. She was sent to the ward from the ICU (intensive care unit) on the 4^th postoperative day.

Conclusion

The laparoscopic approach is a viable option in managing ruptured pancreatic fluid collections when patient and technical factors are supportive. It reduces surgical morbidity, thereby reducing the overall strain on physiological reserves. When opted for laparoscopic drainage, the procedure must be guided by imaging findings. Multidisciplinary participation is critical in the overall management.

EUS-guided endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy in patients with infected necrosis in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Infected pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis in acute pancreatitis is potentially lethal, with mortality rates up to 35%. Therefore, there is growing interest in minimally invasive treatment options, such as (EUS-guided) endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study on EUS-guided endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy in patients with infected necrosis in acute pancreatitis.

RESULTS

8 patients (age 38-75, mean 50 years) with documented infected peripancreatic or pancreatic necrosis were included. Median time to first intervention was 33 days (range 17-62) after onset of symptoms. At the time of first intervention 2 patients had organ failure. All patients were managed on the patient ward. Initial endoscopic drainage was successful in all patients, a median of 4 (range 2-6) subsequent endoscopic necrosectomies were needed to remove all necrotic tissue. Two patients needed additional surgical intervention because of pneumoperitoneum (n = 1) and insufficient endoscopic drainage (n = 1). Six patients recovered, with 1 mild relapse during follow-up (median 12, range 8-60 months). One patient died.

CONCLUSION

EUS-guided endoscopic transgastric necrosectomy of infected necrosis in acute pancreatitis appears to be a feasible and relatively safe treatment option in patients who are not critically ill. Further randomized comparison with the current 'gold standard' is warranted to determine the place of this treatment modality.