Endoscopy Pseudocyst Drainage

Endoscopy pseudocyst drainage is the new and advanced form of surgery. It should be given the first preference because endoscopic pseudocyst drainage is less invasive, less expensive and easier to perform with better results in smaller pseudocysts and pancreatic head pseudocysts.

The endoscopy pseudocyst drainage procedure involves the use of an endoscope to find a bulge into the lumen of the stomach or duodenum caused by compression of the pseudocyst. The abdomen will be filled with gas to help the surgeon view the abdominal cavity better. Then the cyst is usually removed using a needle knife to cut through the gastric or duodenum wall, and a series of pigtail stents are placed through the resulting communication.

The success rate of endoscopy pseudocyst drainage method is 80 to 90 percent and the recurrent rate is only 6 to 18 percent. The rate of endoscopy pseudocyst drainage complications occurring after the procedure is just 20 percent. However, the risks can include complications related to the administration of general anaesthesia (as with any other surgery), bleeding and infections.

Patients are typically required to stay in the hospital for a day or two after the endoscopy pseudocyst drainage procedure. You can return to work in a few days, but you should not engage in heavy lifting or strain yourself for a few weeks. The full recovery after endoscopy pseudocyst drainage may take about six weeks.