Pancreatic endotherapy and necrosectomy

There has been a paradigm shift in the management of pancreatic necrosis from open surgical debridement of infected necrosis to minimally invasive interventional radiologic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic drainage/debridement techniques. A step-up approach from less invasive to the more invasive modalities is recommended. An important distinction to make is between pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis (WON), as the interventions for each are different. Endoscopic or other interventions should be delayed for at least 4 weeks for collections to encapsulate. Direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) is an effective, minimally invasive option. Several variations in the technique, including the use of esophageal fully covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) and lumen-apposing SEMS have recently been described. The incremental effectiveness of these stents over conventional techniques needs to be studied. Dual-modality drainage with endoscopic transmural stent placement and lavage through percutaneous drains is also an effective option with low mortality and morbidity. Several minimally invasive surgical options, including video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement and sinus tract endoscopy are available and may be preferable to open surgical necrosectomy. An algorithmic, multidisciplinary management is warranted for successful outcomes. Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome in the setting of necrotizing pancreatitis is challenging; long-term endoscopic transmural stent placement and/or distal pancreatectomy are potential treatment options.