Pancreatic Pseudocyst Drainage

1. General
2. The Procedure
3. Post Procedure
4. Discharge Instructions

1. General

• A pancreatic pseudocyst is a collection of fluid that forms after acute pancreatitis
• The fluid is trapped within fibrous tissue
• If left untreated, they may rupture
• Surgical drainage may be an option for treatment
• Pseudocysts smaller than six centimeters usually disappear without intervention
• If it is larger than six centimeters, causes symptoms, and is present for over two months, the pseudocyst is usually surgically drained

2. The Procedure

• The procedure can be performed with an open incision or with laparoscopic devices inserted through small incisions
  
  
• If the procedure is done laparoscopically, the surgeon will make three to four small incisions, and insert tube-like instruments through them
  
  
• The abdomen will be filled with gas to help the surgeon view the abdominal cavity
  
  
• A camera will be inserted through one of the tubes that will display images on a monitor in the operating room
  
  
• Other instruments will be placed through the additional tubes
  
  
• Your surgeon will be able to work inside your abdomen without making a larger incision
  
  
• If the procedure cannot be performed laparoscopically, your surgeon will make an incision to open the abdominal cavity
  
  
• Once inside, your surgeon will use a needle to drain the cyst
  
  
• A large cyst may require a temporary drain or tube to be left in for a few days to allow it to drain completely
  
  
• You will be given general anaesthetic during the procedure and will be completely asleep
  
  
• As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia
  
  
• A pancreatic abscess may develop if the pseudocyst is not adequately drained
  
  
• Remember to ask your surgeon about risks before your procedure
  

3. Post Procedure

• Once the surgery is completed, you will be taken to a post-operative or recovery unit where a nurse will monitor your progress
  
  
• It is important that your bandages are kept clean
  
  
• You may experience mild discomfort at the incision site, so may be prescribed pain medication
  
  
• Most patients are in hospital for three to four days with an open pseudocyst drainage and one to two days after laparoscopic pseudocyst drainage
  
  
• You may need a ride home when discharged from the hospital
  
  
• If the procedure is performed laparoscopically, there will be three to four small scars. If the open method is used, there will be a single larger scar

4. Discharge Instructions

• You will be encouraged to return to normal activities such as showering, driving, walking up stairs, light lifting, and work as soon as you feel comfortable
  
  
• Some patients can return to work in a few days while others prefer to wait longer. You should not engage in heavy lifting or straining for six to eight weeks after open surgery
  
  
• If you are taking narcotic medications for pain, you should not drive
  
  
• You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment after your surgery
  
  
• Be sure to call your doctor if you experience fever or chills, persistent pain or notice any drainage from any incision