The treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts by laparoscopic drainage: endoluminal and lesser sac techniques

Summary

A variety of approaches are now available to drain pancreatic pseudocysts (PP) when indicated. In addition to open surgery, endoscopic, laparoscopic, intra-luminal, and percutaneous techniques are available as therapeutic options to facilitate drainage of mature symptomatic PP. The laparoscopic lesser sac technique is appealing since it

• relies on a secure stapled anastomosis,

• provides an adequate sized cystgastrostomy to facilitate drainage, and

• utilizes minimally invasive techniques to diminish operative morbidity and expedite return to normal activities.

Short-term follow-up data suggest that this approach is feasible, effective and reproducible, Long-term studies demonstrating the efficacy of laparoscopic drainage of PP using the lesser sac technique are needed to validate these early favorable outcomes.

Key Words:

• pancreatic pseudocysts
• laparoscopic surgery
• chronic pancreatitis