MANAGEMENT OF PANCREATIC PSEUDOCYSTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic pseudocysts are encapsulated, non-epithelialised peripancreatic fluid collections that most often complicate acute or chronic pancreatitis, and their management ranges from observation to percutaneous or surgical drainage depending on cyst characteristics and symptoms. This study describes the demographic profile, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment modalities, and outcomes of patients managed for pancreatic pseudocysts at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 50 patients diagnosed with pancreatic pseudocysts at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, between January 2021 and December 2023. Patients with cystic neoplasms or other non inflammatory pancreatic cysts were excluded. Demographic, clinical, imaging, treatment, and follow-up data were extracted from hospital records and summarised using descriptive statistics. Results: Chronic pancreatitis was the underlying condition in 70% of patients, acute pancreatitis in 20%, and trauma in 10%. Abdominal pain was the predominant symptom (82%). Conservative management was used in 50% of patients, percutaneous catheter drainage in 30%, and surgical cystogastrostomy in 20%. Over a follow-up period of 6–18 months, 78% of patients achieved resolution without recurrence, complications occurred in 12%, and there were no deaths. Conclusion: Most pancreatic pseudocysts in this cohort were managed successfully with conservative measures or percutaneous drainage, with surgery reserved for complicated cases, supporting an individualised, stepwise approach to management in a tertiary care setting.