Surgical Management of Pancreatic Pseudocysts

Open surgical intervention for treatment of simple pancreatic pseuodocyst (PP) has a high success rate and has been the historical gold standard. Open surgical intervention, however, confers significant morbidity and mortality, which has spurred the development of less invasive techniques. Laparoscopic approaches are feasible with the potential for lower complication rates and length of stay. The endoscopic approach has the appeal of potentially shorter hospitalization length of stays and does not require general anesthesia. Complicated PPs or those that arise in the setting of chronic pancreatitis warrant additional workup and special consideration.