[Pancreatic pseudoaneurysm: surgical treatment]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Vascular Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Pancreatic pseudoaneurysms are uncommon but serious complications of severe acute pancreatitis.
• Alcoholism is a significant risk factor for developing pancreatic pseudoaneurysms.
• Arterial erosion is a common mechanism leading to pseudoaneurysm formation.

Observation:

• A 44-year-old male with a history of chronic alcoholism presented with a pancreatic pseudoaneurysm.
• Computed tomography (CT) imaging and ultrasound (US) Doppler confirmed the diagnosis.
• The pseudoaneurysm resulted from arterial erosion.

Findings:

• The patient underwent successful transfixiant ligation of the splenic artery.
• Additional surgical drainage was performed using a Foley catheter.
• This combined approach effectively managed the pseudoaneurysm.

Implications:

• Transfixiant ligation of the splenic artery is a viable treatment for pancreatic pseudoaneurysms.
• Foley catheter drainage can be a useful adjunct in managing these complex cases.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in patients with alcoholic pancreatitis and pseudoaneurysms.