Background: We report our experience of sinus tract endoscopy (STE) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of pancreatic necrosis and abscess.
Methods: Thirteen patients with extensive pancreatic necrosis were firstly managed with either percutaneous drainage (PD group; n = 9) or open necrosectomy (ON group; n = 4). Debridement of necrotic tissue was subsequently performed via the drain tract by STE. ERCP was performed only when there was a suspicious of persistent pancreatic duct disruption or choledocholithiasis.
Results: In the PD group, the median number of STE sessions required was 3 (range 2-8). The median hospital and ICU stay were 84 days (range 29-163 days) and 0 day (range 0-64 days), respectively, with an overall success rate of 67%. In the ON group, the median number of STE sessions required was 6.5 (range 1-18). The median hospital and ICU stay were 82 days (range 58-194 days) and 19 days (range 4-24 days), respectively. No mortality or failure was noted in the latter group. ERCP was required in nine of 13 patients.
Conclusion: Combined ERCP and STE is a useful adjunct in treating pancreatic necrosis or abscess.