Endoscopic therapy of necrotizing pancreatitis and pseudocysts

Abstract

Endoscopic therapy has become an essential component in the management of postpancreatitis complications, such as infected and/or symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis. However, although there have been 2 recent randomized, controlled trials performed, a general lack of comparative effectiveness data regarding the timing, indications, and outcomes of these procedures has been a barrier to the development of practice standards for therapeutic endoscopists managing these issues. This article reviews the available data and expert consensus regarding indications for endoscopic intervention, timing of procedures, endoscopic technique, periprocedural considerations, and complications.

Keywords: Endoscopic ultrasound; Necrotizing pancreatitis; Pancreatic fluid collection; Pancreatic pseudocyst; Pancreatitis; Therapeutic endoscopy; Walled off necrosis.