Pancreatic Pseudocysts

Pancreatic pseudocysts, which develop as a complication of acute and chronic inflammation and pancreatic trauma, are a collection of pancreatic secretory products surrounded by a fi­brous sac. It is important to differentiate these pseudocysts from acute fluid collections and other benign and malignant cystic lesions of the pancreas. Patients with a history of pancrea­titis and developing pseudocyst present with a variety of signs and symptoms. Pseudocysts can cause a number of complications, the most dangerous one being acute haemorrhage into the pseudocyst, which requires immediate surgical intervention. Ultrasonography and com­puted tomography are essential to an accurate diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocysts. Patients with stable pseudocysts and no symptoms or complications are well taken care of by regu­lar follow-ups. Surgical treatment with internal drainage is the therapy of choice in well-de­veloped uncomplicated pseudocysts. Standard and alternative therapeutic approaches are described.