Management of pancreatic pseudocyst in childhood: an increasing role for percutaneous external drainage.

A total of four patients with a major pancreatic pseudocyst were treated by percutaneous pigtail catheter drainage. All patients recovered with complete resolution of the pseudocyst. There were no complications in relation to catheter insertion. Mean(s.d.) hospital stay was 56(15) days with a mean(s.d.) duration of catheter drainage and total parenteral nutrition of 21(14) and 35(9) days respectively. Percutaneous drainage is an appropriate method of first line therapy for non-resolving or enlarging pancreatic pseudocyst in children.