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Pseudocysts of the pancreas are not an uncommon sequela of acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and blunt abdominal trauma with resultant traumatic pancreatitis. Pancreatic pseudocysts should be suspected when the serum amylase remains elevated after apparently satisfactory response to treatment of the acute episode. However, the serum amylase may be normal, and quantitative urinary amylases may establish the diagnosis. Blood calcium levels should be followed during severe episodes. A palpable mass can usually be detected in the upper abdomen, most frequently in the mid-epigastrium or the left upper quadrant. These cysts do not have an epithelial lining as do the true pancreatic cysts. They are most commonly found in the body and tail of the pancreas but also may be found in the neck and head of the pancreas. Ultrasonography, computerized tomographic scans, and retrograde cannulation of the pancreatic duct with injection of dye and x-ray opacification (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or ERCP) may demonstrate a pseudocyst. Films of the chest and abdomen may demonstrate elevation of the left hemidiaphragm with or without basilar atelectasis or pleural effusion. Treatment of cysts that do not regress spontaneously consists most commonly of internal drainage via the stomach, duodenum, or jejunum. External tube drainage with subsequent fistula may be rarely indicated. Alternatively, some radiologists may drain mature pseudocysts attached to the posterior wall of the stomach using computerized axial tomography. A transgastric needle and then catheter is introduced via a gastrostomy usually created by the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy technique (Chapter 18).
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The ideal time to drain these pseudocysts internally is 6 to 8 weeks after their appearance, when the cyst is intimately attached to the surrounding structures and the surrounding inflammatory reaction is quiescent. At this time the cyst wall is strong enough for the technical anastomosis. External tube drainage of the cyst may be necessary if the cyst wall is friable or if the patient is septic or has a rapidly expanding pseudocyst. In all cases the interior of the cyst should be thoroughly examined and the cyst wall biopsied. Externally drained cysts usually close spontaneously, but pancreatic fistulas can occur. Cysts may resolve gradually, particularly those associated with stones in the common duct and acute pancreatitis. In general, patency of the ampulla and the proximal pancreatic duct should be established by ERCP prior to any operative procedure.
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PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION
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It is most important that these patients be in satisfactory metabolic condition before surgery. Accordingly, deficiencies in electrolytes, red cell mass, serum protein, or prothrombin levels are corrected preoperatively, and total parenteral nutrition should be considered. A clear liquid diet is given on the day before surgery, and the colon is emptied by the use of oral cathartics.
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General anesthesia with intratracheal intubation is satisfactory.
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The patient is placed in a comfortable supine position ...