Treatment depends on the size of the pseudocyst and whether it is causing symptoms. Many pseudocysts go away on their own. Those that remain for more than 6 weeks and are larger than 5 cm in diameter often need surgery.

Surgical treatments include:

• Drainage through the skin (percutaneous) using a needle, usually guided by a CT scan
• Endoscopic-assisted drainage using an endoscope (a tube containing a camera and a light that is passed down into the stomach)
• Surgical drainage of the pseudocyst, which involves making a connection between the cyst and the stomach or small intestine. This may be done using a laparoscope.

The outcome is generally good with treatment.

• A pancreatic abscess can develop if the pseudocyst becomes infected
• The pseudocyst can break open (rupture), which can be a serious complication because shock and excess bleeding (hemorrhage) may develop
• The pseudocyst may press down on (compress) nearby organs

Rupture of the pseudocyst is an emergency situation. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you develop symptoms of bleeding or shock, such as:

• Fainting
• Fever and chills
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe abdominal pain

Images

Endocrine glands

Pancreatic pseudocyst, CT scan

Pancreas

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Pancreatic pseudocyst Symptoms

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Pancreatic pseudocyst Prevention

Review Date: 01/20/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)