European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to study the various outcomes of percutaneous drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst and the factors that favor the successful outcome of this procedure.
Materials and Methods: This longitudinal study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee and included a group of 66 patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic pseudocyst with no prior intervention done at the time of admission. The patients were evaluated and underwent radiological image guided insertion of a percutaneous drain and were monitored throughout the course of their treatment and recorded drain amylase levels, complications, length of hospital stay and duration of catheter dwell time. Results were there analyzed to study those characteristics which increased the success of this procedure.
Results: A total number of 66 patients were included in this study out of which 29 were successfully treated with percutaneous drainage. Demographic data collected showed that men and those between the ages of 31-40 were most often diagnosed with a pancreatic pseudocyst. 37 patients did not benefit from this procedure and developed recurrence, complications and required need for surgical intervention. There were no deaths noted. In addition to this it was found that comparatively raised drain amylase levels were associated with a higher rate of failure. Patients were followed up for a period of 2 months after discharge.
Conclusion: This procedure despite being a safe and minimally invasive method of treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst requires proper patient selection to optimize the outcomes and reduce the risk of need for further surgical treatment.