Laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches for drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: a systematic review of published series

The laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to internal drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) are the current minimally invasive management options. This article reviews the evidence available on their effectiveness.

A computerized search was made of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for English language publications from 1974 to 2005.

A total of 118 and 569 patients featured, respectively, in 19 and 25 reports underwent 118 and 583 laparoscopic and endoscopic drainage procedures, respectively. Pancreatic pseudocysts were considerably larger in the laparoscopic series (mean, 13 vs. 7 cm; p < 0.0001). The success rates for achieving resolution of the PPs in the laparoscopic and endoscopic series were 98.3% and 80.8% respectively, with morbidity rates of 4.2% and 12% and mortality rates of 0% and 0.4%, respectively. During follow-up period (mean, 13 vs 24 months; p < 0.0001), PPs recurred for 2.5% of the patients in the laparoscopic series and 14.4% of the patients in the endoscopic series, and the reintervention rates were 0.9% and 11.8%, respectively.

The laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to internal drainage of PPs are safe. Although laparoscopic drainage appears to carry a higher success rate and lower rates of morbidity and recurrence, the heterogeneity of the published reports and the varied follow-up periods limit direct comparisons. Data from longer follow-up periods and randomized comparative trials are needed.