Laparoscopic debridement of recurrent pancreatic abscesses in the hostile abdomen

Recurrent necrotizing pancreatitis in the frozen or hostile abdomen remains a challenge. Percutaneous drainage is useful in these cases but often fails if there is significant pancreatic necrosis. We describe a technique for laparoscopic drainage of necrotic pancreas. The preexisting percutaneous drainage tract was sequentially dilated and a working thoracoscope was placed via a Hasson cannula. A pulsatile irrigation system was used to open the cavity for visualization and to wash away obvious necrotic debris. Working sequentially using the irrigation jet flow for debridement and visualization, we opened the entire tract and debrided a majority of the necrotic tissue. A large drainage tube was placed to allow the egress of any residual infection. Three patients to date have been treated with the above technique with no intraoperative complications. All three patients did well initially postoperatively and had adequate drainage. One patient developed a delayed pancreatic pseudocyst. Laparoscopic debridement via percutaneous drainage tract is a useful technique in the hostile abdomen.