PANCREATIC CONDITION · CONDITION GUIDE
Pancreatic Pseudocysts
Fluid collections enclosed by a fibrous wall that develop as a complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis — treated by endoscopic or laparoscopic internal drainage when symptomatic.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Pancreatic Pseudocysts?
A pancreatic pseudocyst is an encapsulated collection of pancreatic fluid — rich in digestive enzymes — that develops following disruption of the pancreatic duct, most commonly as a complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Unlike true cysts, pseudocysts lack an epithelial lining. They may cause abdominal pain, nausea, early satiety, and weight loss due to compression of adjacent structures, or may become infected. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi manages pancreatic pseudocysts at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad. Asymptomatic pseudocysts that have not enlarged may be observed. Symptomatic pseudocysts are drained internally by laparoscopic cystogastrostomy — creating a communication between the pseudocyst and the stomach — or by endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Disruption of the pancreatic duct following acute pancreatitis
- Ductal obstruction in chronic pancreatitis leading to upstream fluid accumulation
- Trauma to the pancreas causing ductal injury and leakage
- Post-ERCP ductal disruption in a small proportion of cases
- Pancreatic surgery with post-operative ductal leakage
- Recurrent acute pancreatitis episodes progressively enlarging fluid collections
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Encapsulated pancreatic fluid collection without epithelial lining
Asymptomatic pseudocysts may resolve spontaneously
Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy or EUS-guided drainage
Over 90% resolution with internal drainage
Discharge in 2–3 days; full recovery in 2–3 weeks
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Laparoscopic Cystogastrostomy
Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy creates a direct communication between the pseudocyst and the posterior wall of the stomach, allowing the cyst contents to drain into the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Grandhi performs this minimally invasive procedure as the preferred surgical approach, offering over 90% resolution with a short hospital stay.
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Diagnosis & Assessment
CT abdomen or MRI pancreas characterises the pseudocyst, confirms its relationship to the stomach, and excludes features of pancreatic cystic neoplasm. EUS may be used for further assessment.
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Indication for Drainage
Symptomatic, enlarging, infected, or complicated pseudocysts are drained. Pseudocysts causing bile duct or duodenal obstruction require intervention. Asymptomatic stable collections are observed with repeat imaging.
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Laparoscopic Cystogastrostomy
A communication is created laparoscopically between the posterior wall of the stomach and the pseudocyst, allowing drainage into the stomach. EUS-guided endoscopic drainage is offered as an alternative minimally invasive approach.
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Recovery & Monitoring
A liquid diet is commenced on day one. CT imaging at 4–6 weeks confirms pseudocyst resolution. Underlying pancreatitis cause (alcohol, gallstones) is addressed to prevent recurrence.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
TreatmentOptions
Laparoscopic Cystogastrostomy
Laparoscopic creation of an internal drainage communication between the pseudocyst and the posterior gastric wall. Preferred surgical treatment for symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts.
Percutaneous Catheter Drainage
A catheter is placed through the skin to drain the pseudocyst under imaging guidance.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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