Giant pseudocyst of the pancreas: A report of three cases

P O Igwe1, E Ray-Offor1, E N Karibi2

  • 1Colorectal and Minimal Access, General Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Insights

Giant pancreatic pseudocysts, though rare, can be effectively managed. This study reports successful treatment of three cases using cysto-gastrostomy, suggesting they may be more common than previously believed.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Pancreatic pseudocysts are a known complication of pancreatitis or abdominal trauma.
  • Giant pseudocysts, defined as >10 cm, are particularly rare, often associated with chronic pancreatitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present three cases of giant pancreatic pseudocysts managed within a three-month period.
  • To highlight the potential underestimation of giant pseudocyst prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • Case series involving three patients (two adult females, one pediatric male) presenting with giant pancreatic pseudocysts.
  • All patients underwent exploratory laparotomy and cysto-gastrostomy.

Main Results:

  • Successful management of all three giant pancreatic pseudocyst cases.
  • Patients experienced good outcomes following cysto-gastrostomy.

Conclusions:

  • Giant pancreatic pseudocysts may occur more frequently than previously recognized.
  • Cysto-gastrostomy is an effective surgical intervention for managing giant pancreatic pseudocysts.
Abstract

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