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Treatment of pancreatic cysts
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Treatment of pancreatic cysts is mainly surgical (operative) or "semi-surgical" - by suctioning the contents of the cyst (usually this method is used for single large cysts) using a special puncture needle inserted under ultrasound control through the anterior abdominal wall. However, despite the fact that "puncture is an easy and safe procedure", it does not always bring a cure; the contents of the cyst can accumulate again. In case of cyst suppuration (first of all, this complication is possible with pseudocysts after pancreatic necrosis or trauma), broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed in large doses and the question of the necessity, urgency and possibility of surgical treatment is decided. The overall mortality rate for pancreatic pseudocyst (arising as a complication of acute pancreatitis) is 14%, surgical - 11%, in the event of severe complications such as sepsis, massive bleeding, perforation into the abdominal cavity - 50%; in the case of abscess formation, if surgical drainage is not used - 100%, with surgical treatment the survival rate is 40-60%.
By now, surgical techniques for treating pseudocysts (and true cysts) of the pancreas have improved significantly, more powerful modern antibiotics have been used to treat septic complications and abscesses; in addition, it is necessary to take into account specific data concerning each patient: concomitant diseases, age, number of cysts, their location, etc. At present, the results of pseudocyst treatment seem more optimistic.
With cysts and pseudocysts of the pancreas, the development of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency is possible, the treatment of which is carried out according to the same principles as for chronic pancreatitis.