Percutaneous drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: technique and problems

In 18 patients, 27 of thirty two pseudocysts were successfully drained percutaneously. The first 26 were drained directly and the last six drained transgastrically. Failures resulted from tube blockage by necrotic phlegmon in three and pancreatico-cutaneous fistulation in two with obstructed pancreatic ducts. Transgastric drainage is preferred as it appears to prevent chronic pancreatico-cutaneous fistula formation.