Pancreatic Pseudocysts: An Evaluation of Surgical Management

Introduction Pseudocysts of the pancreas usually require surgical therapy in order to relieve symptoms and to avoid rupture which is associated with a high mortality. They rarely undergo spontaneous resolution. In addition, operation is often indicated for the underlying pancreatic disease. While acceptance of surgical therapy is widespread, there is lack of agreement concering the best type of operation. For these reasons, the results of surgery in 39 cases of pancreatic pseudocysts treated in several different ways during the past 30 years were reviewed together with their clinical and laboratory findings. Age and Sex The more common occurrence of pseudocysts in men than in woman is confirmed by our series. Eight patients were female and 31 were male. The sex distribution may be weighted, since 18 patients were treated at the Veterans Administration Hospital, which has a predominantly male population. If only the patients treated at the University Hospital are