Percutaneous drainage of immature pancreatic pseudocyst. A preliminary study of 4 cases.

The management of immature pancreatic pseudocysts is controversial because surgical external drainage is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. A study was conducted during which immature pseudocysts that were enlarging, causing pain or giving respiratory distress were selected for percutaneous drainage and placement of a pigtail drainage catheter under ultrasonographic guidance. This preliminary study of 4 cases demonstrated that this procedure is safe and does not cause morbidity or mortality. It is suggested that there will be no recurrence provided the catheter is well secured and that no communication between the cyst and the pancreatic duct can be seen on sinography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.