Synchronous anterior celiotomy and posterior drainage of pancreatic abscess

Pancreatic abscess has been characterized by a high rate of reoperation for persistent sepsis and by a high mortality. Nine patients with pancreatic abscess have undergone synchronous anterior celiotomy and posterior drainage following resection of the 12th rib. Pancreatic abscess was secondary to acute pancreatitis in seven of the cases. In two cases, the combined procedure was a secondary operation to treat abscess that developed following surgery for pancreatic trauma. All of these nine patients survived. One patient required reoperation for drainage of a left retrocolic abscess. A synchronous approach permits adequate exploration of the abdomen, provides the exposure necessary to remove necrotic tissue, and allows dependent drainage of the left subphrenic space without fear of splenic, pancreatic, or vascular injury.