Endoscopic transpapillary stenting of pancreatic duct disruption.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic transpapillary stenting of the pancreatic duct is increasingly being used in the management of pancreatic duct disruption. In contrast to its more established role in pancreatic duct obstruction, little is reported on the spectrum of indications and outcome in management of pancreatic duct disruption.

METHODS: The indication for and outcome of transpapillary pancreatic duct stenting was analysed retrospectively in a UK supra-regional specialist pancreatobiliary centre, between January 1998 and August 2004.

RESULTS: Data were obtained on 30 patients (19 male, 11 female, median age 53 years). The main indications for pancreatic duct stenting were: pancreatic pseudocyst, pancreatic ascites, pancreatic duct leak following necrosectomy, and pancreaticopleural fistula. The median duration of stenting was 6 weeks for fistulae and 10 weeks for pseudocysts. Twenty-one patients (70%) had complete resolution. After a median follow-up of 45 months, no recurrence was noted in successfully treated patents.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic transpapillary pancreatic duct stenting is an increasingly valuable treatment option in the management of pancreatic fistulae and pseudocysts.