Long term outcome of endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts

Objective: Nonoperative drainage either by the percutaneous or endoscopic r oute has become a viable alternative to surgical drainage of pancreatic pse udocysts. Endoscopic drainage has been reported in a few small series with encouraging short term results, The aim of this study was to determine the indications, suitability, and long term outcome of transmural endoscopic dr ainage procedures. Methods: All patients presenting over a 2-yr period to a tertiary referral hepatobiliary unit with pancreatic pseudocysts were stud ied. Endoscopic drainage was performed in patients with pseudocysts bulging into the stomach or duodenal lumen. Outcome measures were successful drain age of the pseudocyst, complications, and recurrence rates. Results: Of 66 patients presenting with pseudocysts, 34 were considered suitable for endos copic drainage. Twenty-four (71%) were successfully drained. Failures mere associated with thick walled pseudocysts (>1 cm), location in the tail of t he pancreas, and pseudocysts associated with acute necrotizing pancreatitis . There were three recurrences (7%), two of which were successfully redrain ed endoscopically. The long term success rate (median follow-up, 46 months) of the initial procedure was 62%. Conclusion: Transmural endoscopic draina ge is a safe procedure with minimal complications, It should be the procedu re of choice for pseudocysts associated with chronic pancreatitis or trauma , with a wall thickness of <1 cm and a visible bulge into the gastrointesti nal lumen, Forty percent of pseudocysts fulfilled these criteria in our stu dy, (C) 1999 by Am. Cell, of Gastroenterology.