Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A Surgical Dilemma

Development of a pseudocyst of the pancreas after an attack of acute pancreatitis is a known phenomenon. The natural history of the pseudocyst is extremely variable ranging from complete resolution to the development of chronicity. Understanding the natural history of pseudo cysts is therefore pivotal in determining the best therapeutic option at each stage of the disease along the natural course of the disease. The paper outlines the various options at each successive stage of the disease process.