Endoscopic approach to pancreatic pseudocyst, abscess and necrosis: Review on recent progress

Aim: The aim of this study is to introduce recent progress in the treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst, abscess and necrosis using the endoscopic approach. Methods: Studies on PubMed and MEDLINE from the last 30 years on progress in the management of the complications from severe pancreatitis were researched and reviewed. Herein, the indication for intervention, definition of fluid collection associated with acute pancreatitis and treatment modalities of these complications are summarized. Results: Three types of management are employed for complications of severe pancreatitis: the endoscopic, surgical and percutaneous approaches. Conclusions: Over the years, as technical expertise has increased and instruments for endoscopy have improved, patients who had endoscopic surgery to address the complications of severe pancreatitis have had higher survival rates, lower mortality rates and lower complication rates than those having open debridement. However, traditional open abdominal surgery should be advocated when minimally invasive management fails or necrosis is extensive and extends diffusely to areas such as the paracolic gutter and the groin (i.e. locations not accessible by endoscopy).