Endoscopic interventions for managing pancreatic fluid collections associated with acute pancreatitis: A state-of-the-art review (with videos).

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory disease, which may be associated with pancreatic and peri-pancreatic necrosis and development of (peri)pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). Interventions in acute pancreatitis have evolved over the years with a paradigm shift from open surgical drainage and necrosectomy to minimally invasive approaches. Depending on the presence of necrosis, the PFCs may be acute necrotic collections or acute pancreatic fluid collections, which evolve over a period of three to four weeks to walled-off necrosis and pseudocysts, respectively. Patients with symptomatic and infected PFCs require drainage. In general, drainage should be delayed beyond three to four weeks when the collection wall has matured and the necrotic debris is liquefied. However, some patients may merit early drainage (within the first three to four weeks), if they have suspected infected pancreatic necrosis and worsening organ dysfunction despite antibiotics and supporting therapy. Endoscopic transmural drainage and necrosectomy have now emerged as the most favored treatment modality in suitable pancreatic collections located predominantly in the lesser sac. Being minimally invasive, per-oral endoscopic direct necrosectomy is as effective as surgical necrosectomy in patients with infected necrotic collections but with fewer adverse events. Percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy is an important addition to our armamentarium for laterally placed collections as an effective alternative to surgical video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement. The current review provides an overview of the evolution, indications, approaches, techniques and outcomes of endoscopic interventions in the management of pancreatic fluid collections associated with acute pancreatitis. Future direction for better outcomes has been highlighted.