Pancreatic pseudocyst

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

Endocrine glands

Pancreatic pseudocyst, CT scan

Pancreatic pseudocyst

Treatment:

Treatment depends upon the size of the pseudocyst and whether it is causing symptoms. Many pseudocysts go away on their own. Pseudocysts must be allowed to mature for 6-8 weeks before surgery can be performed.

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Surgical methods include the following:

Percutaneous drainage using a needle, usually under radiological (CT scan) guidance
Endoscopic-assisted drainage: uses an endoscope (a tube containing a camera and a light) to locate the pseudocyst
Surgical drainage of the pseudocyst into the stomach or small intestine.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is generally good with treatment.

Complications:

Rupture of the pseudocyst can be a serious complication -- shock and hemorrhage may develop.
A pancreatic abscess can develop if the pseudocyst becomes infected.
The pseudocyst may compress adjacent organs.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop persistent abdominal pain or signs of pancreatic abscess such as fever or chills.

Rupture of the cyst is an emergency situation! Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms occur that may indicate the onset of bleeding and shock, such as the following: