Infected pancreatic pseudocysts with colonic fistula formation successfully managed by endoscopic drainage alone: report of two cases.

Fistulization of pancreatic pseudocysts into surrounding viscera is a well-known phenomenon and usually requires surgical management. We report two cases of pancreatic pseudocysts that developed spontaneous fistulas to the colon with resulting fever and abdominal pain. The patients were managed nonoperatively with a combination of endoscopic drainage and antibiotics, and their pseudocysts and fistulas resolved. The patients have remained symptom-free for a mean of 14 months of follow-up.

Dilated common channel syndrome: endoscopic diagnosis, treatment, and relationship to choledochocele formation.

BACKGROUND: Choledochoceles (type III biliary cysts) are cystic dilations of the terminal common bile duct or common pancreatobiliary channel. Although no size criteria have been defined, it is generally assumed these must be large. However, we describe patients who do not meet the perceived size criteria for choledochoceles, but who nonetheless have a dilated common pancreatobiliary channel. METHODS: We reviewed the presenting symptoms, endoscopic and radiographic findings, and response to endoscopic therapy of patients meeting our criteria for the dilated common channel syndrome. RESULTS: Of 2847 patients undergoing ERCP, 100 (3.5%) had the dilated common channel syndrome. Common presenting symptoms and signs included abdominal pain in 97%, abnormal liver function test(s) in 66%, and a history of acute or recurrent pancreatitis in 46%. A bulge was visible above the papilla in 88%, with a dilated common bile duct in 54% and a dilated pancreatic duct in 28%. After endoscopic unroofing of the common channel, 77% had complete and long-lasting resolution of symptoms, 18% had partial or transient improvement, and 5% had no change. CONCLUSIONS: Although classic choledochoceles are rare, a lesser degree of dilation of the common channel is more frequent than generally appreciated. We postulate that this finding represents an "incomplete," acquired form of choledochocele, possibly caused by underlying papillary stenosis. Whatever the etiology and appropriate term, the presence of a dilated common channel predicts a high rate of clinical response to endoscopic therapy.

Symptomatic choledochoceles in adults. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography recognition and management.

During a 2-year interval, we identified 10 patients with symptoms of pancreaticobiliary disorders and small choledochoceles by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Patients ranged from 36 to 89 years of age. Eight were female. Seven presented with recurrent, acute pancreatitis, two presented with biliary colic, and one presented with cholangitis. Dilated common bile ducts were seen in four patients, and no other biliary lesions were demonstrated in any patients. Five patients were shown to have normal gallbladders by ultrasonographic or computed tomographic criteria. Choledochoceles were identified endoscopically as a bulge above or involving the ampulla. Diagnosis was confirmed by cholangiography. All patients underwent successful unroofing of the choledochocele and sphincterotomy of the common bile duct. One pancreatic sphincterotomy was performed for pancreatic ductal obstruction. We encountered no complications. Hospital stays ranged from 1 to 4 days. Follow-up intervals ranged from 2 to 20 months. At this time, no patients have had any recurrence of symptoms, and none has required rehospitalization or surgery.