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Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Robotic Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy for Chronic Pancreatitis
Published on: December 14, 2019
Pancreaticopleural fistula
Abhinav K Rao1, Levi Diggins2, Brett Van-Leer Greenberg3
1Division of Internal Medicine, Trident Medical Center, North Charleston, SC, USA; Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Abstract:
A pancreatic fistula is defined as the leakage of pancreatic fluid into another organ or compartment because of pancreatic duct disruption or pseudocyst formation. It is most often seen in middle-aged men between 40 and 50, particularly in patients who have a history of chronic alcoholism and pancreatitis. The tract may fistulae into the pleura, creating a pancreaticopleural fistula, an exceedingly rare condition presenting as a recurrent pleural effusion and extremely high amylase levels, a key distinguishing factor in diagnosis. Here, we present such a case of a recurrent pancreaticopleural fistula and review the presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.
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