Peripancreatic Fluid Collections: A Review

Peripancreatic fluid collections arise as a complication of pancreatitis and pancreatic injury. Surgery has been the traditional treatment modality of choice for management of peripancreatic fluid collections though endoscopic, laparoscopic and transcutaneous techniques offer alternative drainage approaches. Endoscopic ultrasound has enabled real-time access and drainage of fluid collections which were previously not amenable to transmural drainage. There is limited data from randomized clinical trials including that on direct comparisons between different treatment approaches. In this review, we have summarized the existing evidence on endoscopic drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections from published studies. The final treatment approach should be chosen taking into consideration anatomic characteristics, patient preference, comorbidity profile of the patient, and physician discretion.