Pancreatic Pseudocysts

Pancreatic pseudocysts are complications of pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or pancreatic surgery. Pancreatic pseudocysts occur around the pancreas and are due to a break in the continuity of the pancreatic duct, which leads to a leak of pancreatic “juice.” This “juice” (pancreatic secretion) helps digest food. The inside lining of the intestine (mucosa) is adapted to tolerate pancreatic secretions; however, other structures of our body are not. Once the fluid leaks and touches other organs inside your body, its toxic digestive effects are immediately noticed because of the severe pain produced.

The body responds to pancreatic pseudocysts by creating a thick wall around the leak, thus protecting the rest of the body from damage. Once the wall is formed, pancreatic fluid continues to flow into this new cavity, which increases in size. This process is slow and may take weeks to months.

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The symptoms are generally pain and a feeling of fullness due to increased pressure on the stomach from the growing cyst. Although this condition is benign, it makes patients feel weak and drained of energy, and so requires prompt attention.

Pancreatic Pseudocyst Surgery is a best in class treatment for this problem and patients typically make a full recovery.

Please note: Dr. Alden accepts insurance if he participates with your plan. Additionally, if Dr. Alden does not participate with your insurance plan, Dr. Alden’s office is frequently able to obtain pre-authorization from your insurance plan based on the uniqueness of his specialty. We will contact your insurance company to understand your benefits and additionally submit them for you. You will enjoy the luxury and benefit of academic medicine in a top rated concierge environment without the hassle of long hospital waiting room times and paperwork. Most policies reimburse patients for most of the cost of surgery. Our surgical coordinator will help you with a quote.

One pancreatic pseudocyst treatment option is an endoscopic procedure that allows the NYC Pancreatic Surgery Complications Specialist to place stents across the disrupted pancreatic duct to seal the leak. The cyst might then be drained into the stomach using endoscopic ultrasound technology.

When such endoscopic measures are not possible, pancreatic pseudocysts surgery is indicated. The typical surgical procedure is called “cyst-gastrostomy“. This involves the surgeon opening the stomach, draining the cyst, and creating a permanent connection to allow pancreatic fluid to drain internally into the intestinal tract. This surgical procedure is commonly performed using the da Vinci robotic system or laparoscopy. If the surgery is performed using one of these minimally invasive techniques, the hospital stay ranges from 24 to 72 hours.

In very complex multiple cysts, a traditional open surgical approach must be used. In this case, additional connections to the small intestine (cyst-jejunostomy) might be created.

In addition to an office-based consultation, the NYC liver cancer & pancreatic cancer surgeon offers remote consultations to patients and medical professionals anywhere in the world. Please call our office for details.

For more information pertaining to Pancreatic Pseudocysts or for a consultation with the best in class liver surgeon, please feel free to contact the NYC Liver, Pancreatic & Bile Duct Oncological Surgeon, Dmitri Alden, MD, FACS, today by phoning his New York office (212) 434-6216 or contacting us online.