ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC ASCITES

Pancreatic ascites, etiologically related to a leaking pseudocyst or d uctal disruption, has been treated medically with hyperalimentation, s omatostatin analog, and large-volume paracentesis. Surgery is ultimate ly required in more than 50% of such patients. Mortality figures in pa tients with pancreatic ascites approximate 15% to 25% with either trea tment modality. We describe 4 patients who were found to have ductal d isruptions in conjunction with pancreatic ascites who responded to tra nspapillary pancreatic duct endoprosthesis placement. There has been n o recurrence of ascites in these patients at a mean follow-up of 12 mo nths following stent-retrieval. Further evaluation of endoscopic thera py for pancreatic ascites appears warranted.