Chronic pancreatitis for the clinician. Part 1: Etiology and diagnosis. Interdisciplinary position paper of the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees. / Pancreatitis crónica para el clínico. Parte 1: etiología y diagnóstico. Documento de posicionamiento interdisciplinar de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees.

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic fibroinflammatory disease of the pancreas with prevalence around 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It appears to originate from diverse and yet mixed etiological factors. It shows highly variable presenting features, complication types and disease progression rates. Treatment options are as wide as the multiple personalized scenarios the disease might exhibit at a given time point. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for diagnosis and treatment based on scientific evidence. Although these efforts are to be acknowledged, the gathered level of evidence for any topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak. In the present series of position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on interdisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations. Part 1 of this paper series discusses topics on aetiology and diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Main clinical features are abdominal pain, exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and symptoms derived from complications. Some patients remain symptom-free. Diagnosis (definitive, probable or uncertain) should be based on objective data obtained from imaging, histology, or functional tests.

[Mediastinal pancreatobiliary pseudocysts]. / Mediastinal'nye pankreatobiliogennye zhidkostnye obrazovaniya.

OBJECTIVE: To select the optimal treatment for uninfected and suppurative rare mediastinal pancreatobiliary pseudocysts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 10 patients with mediastinal pancreatogenic (n=9) and biliogenic (n=1) pseudocysts formed through esophageal (n=9) and aortic (n=1) hiatus of the diaphragm. All patients were divided into groups: group A - uninfected pancreatic pseudocysts (n=5) formed through esophageal hiatus; group B - 5 patients with suppurative pancreatogenic (n=4) and biliogenic (n=1) mediastinitis complicated by biliopleuroesophageal (n=1), pancreatoesophageal (n=1) and pancreatopleural (n=2) fistulas. RESULTS: In the group A, simultaneous procedures (n=5) were performed depending on pancreatic parenchyma and pancreatic duct destruction. Distal ductal obstruction required Frey procedure (n=3). If distal duct was patent, we resected cyst-containing pancreatic tail (n=2). Early and long-term results were favorable. In the group B, mediastinitis persisted for a long time with normal temperature as a rule. In our opinion, mild course is associated with gradual introduction of purulent tissues into mediastinum and development of a tissue barrier. Two-stage surgeries were performed in patients with pancreatopleural empyema. Mediastinitis lasting 6-8 weeks caused perforation of the lower third of esophagus (n=2) and death of 1 patient. Risk factors of mediastinal pseudocysts: hypertension in pancreatic duct and pseudocysts, immobile cicatricial tissues of omental bursa, proximity of subdiaphragmatic structures to esophageal and aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. Pressure in aortic canal (mmHg) is 10 times higher than in esophageal canal that increases migration through the esophageal hiatus. It is advisable to distinguish pancreatoesophageal and biliopleuroesophageal fistulas. CONCLUSION: Uninfected mediastinal pseudocysts require simultaneous procedures, pancreatopleural empyema - two-stage interventions. Therapy is recommended in patients with esophageal fistula and no severe symptoms and intoxication.

[Conservative or surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis?] / Konservative oder chirurgische Therapie der chronischen Pankreatitis?

The cardinal symptom of chronic pancreatitis is severe belt-like upper abdominal pain, which requires immediate and adequate treatment. Furthermore, advanced stage chronic pancreatitis is often associated with complications, such as pancreatic pseudocysts, pancreatic duct stones and stenosis as well as biliary stenosis. The various endoscopic and surgical treatment options for chronic pancreatitis patients have been controversially discussed for decades. The new German S3 guidelines on pancreatitis now clearly define the best treatment options depending on the indications for treatment. For the treatment of pain in chronic pancreatitis it has been known for a long time that a surgical intervention is superior to endoscopic intervention concerning long-term pain relief. The recently published ESCAPE study has further underlined this by showing that early surgical intervention was superior to a step-up approach with initial endoscopic treatment. For the treatment of pancreatic pain, an initial endoscopic treatment attempt is therefore justified for short-term pain relief but in the midterm and long term, surgical intervention is the treatment of choice. In contrast, pancreatic pseudocysts, solitary proximally situated pancreatic duct stones and benign biliary strictures (except in calcifying pancreatitis) can nowadays generally be managed endoscopically. For distal pancreatic duct stones and symptomatic pancreatic duct stenosis surgical treatment is again the method of choice. This review article discusses these indication-related procedures in detail and explains them in relation to the recently published S3 guidelines on pancreatitis of the German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS).

[Treatment strategy for complicated pancreatic pseudocysts]. / Vybor taktiki lecheniya oslozhnennykh psevdokist podzheludochnoi zhelezy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze an effectiveness of various surgical approaches for complicated pancreatic pseudocysts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The results of surgical treatment were analyzed in 188 patients with complicated pancreatic pseudocysts. The study included patients with one of complications of pseudocyst (infection, bleeding, compression of adjacent organs, perforation). Depending on surgical treatment, patients were divided into 2 groups: the 1st group (76 patients) - laparotomy followed by certain open surgery, the 2nd group (112 patients) - various minimally invasive treatments without further open operations. RESULTS: Effectiveness of surgical treatment was analyzed considering incidence of complications (postoperative wound suppuration, pneumonia, sepsis, multiple organ failure) and mortality. In the 1st group, postoperative wound suppuration - 22 (29%) patients, pneumonia - 17 (22.4%), sepsis - 14 (18.4%) patients, multiple organ failure - 14 (18.4%), 15 (19.8%) patients died. In the 2nd group, these values significantly differed: postoperative wound suppuration - 9 (8%), pneumonia - 5 (4.3%), sepsis - 1 (0.9%), multiple organ failure - 4 (3.5%), 1 (0.9%) patient died. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive measures are the most optimal for any complication of pancreatic pseudocyst. Laparotomy is indicated if minimally invasive intervention is impossible for certain reason. It is advisable to concentrate these patients in specialized centers.

Disconnected Pancreatic Duct Syndrome: Spectrum of Operative Management.

BACKGROUND: Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is common after necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). Surgical management may be by internal drainage or left (distal) pancreatectomy. Therapeutic decision-making must consider sinistral portal hypertension, parenchymal volume of disconnected pancreas, and timing relative to definitive management of pancreatic necrosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes after operative management for DPDS. METHODS: All patients with NP undergoing an operation for DPDS were included in the study (2005-2017). Perioperative outcomes and long-term durability were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 647 patients with NP, 299 (46%) had DPDS. Operative management was required in 202/299 (68%) patients with DPDS. Median follow-up was 30 mo (2-165). Definitive operative therapy included internal drainage (n = 111) or resection (n = 91). Time from NP diagnosis to operation was 126 d (20 d to 81 mo). Overall morbidity was 46%. Postoperative length of stay was 7 d (2-97). Readmission was required in 39 patients (19%). Mortality was 2%. Repeat pancreatic intervention was required in 23 patients (11%) at a median of 15 mo (1-98). Repeat pancreatectomy was performed in nine patients and the remaining 14 patients were managed with endoscopic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: DPDS is a common and challenging consequence of NP. Appropriate operation is durable in nearly 90% of patients.

Excellent Accuracy of Glucose Level in Cystic Fluid for Diagnosis of Pancreatic Mucinous Cysts.

BACKGROUND: CEA in pancreatic cystic fluid (PCF) is standard for mucinous cysts diagnosis. Glucose is an alternative, but its accuracy remains poorly described. AIMS: To evaluate PCF glucose using a glucometer and compare its accuracy with CEA for mucinous cysts diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In frozen PCF obtained by EUS-FNA, glucose was evaluated using a glucometer. CEA and cytology were available as standard of care. The accuracy of glucose and CEA was calculated using receiver operator (ROC) curves. Definitive diagnoses were surgical or clinicopathological. RESULTS: We evaluated 82 patients with a mean age of 61.3 ± 14.8 years (25-91), predominantly (59%) females. Diagnoses included 17 serous cystadenomas, five pseudocysts, 20 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, three mucinous cystic neoplasms, five adenocarcinomas, four neuroendocrine tumors, two other types, 26 non-defined. The median glucose levels (interquartile range) were 19 mg/dL (19-19) in mucinous and 105 mg/dL (96-127) in non-mucinous cysts (p < 0.0001). The median CEA level was 741 ng/mL (165-28,567) in mucinous and 9 ng/mL (5-19) in non-mucinous cysts (p < 0.0001). For mucinous cyst diagnosis, a CEA > 192 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 72% (95% CI 51-88) and a specificity of 96% (95% CI 82-100), and ROC analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.842 (95% CI 0.726-0.959), while glucose < 50 mg/dL had a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI 72-98), a specificity of 86% (95% CI 67-96), and an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.748-0.973). Pseudocysts presented low glucose, identically to mucinous cysts, with CEA allowing differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Glucose measured by a glucometer is accurate for mucinous cyst diagnosis, with significantly higher levels in non-mucinous cysts, except pseudocysts.

Pancreatic abscess within hepato-gastric ligament: case report of an extremely rare disease.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic pseudocyst is a very common benign cystic lesion of the pancreas. It develops in 5-15% of patients with peri-pancreatic fluid collection following acute pancreatitis. Collection usually occurs within the lesser sac of the omentum (near the pancreatic head and body region). But in 20-22% cases, that may be extra-pancreatic like in the mediastinum, pleura, in the peritoneal cavity including the pelvis. The pancreatic pseudocyst typically contains brownish fluid with necrotic tissue sludge which may get infected giving rise to infected pseudocyst or pancreatic abscess. The present case is an unusual condition of a young alcoholic subject who was finally diagnosed as a case of a pancreatic abscess within hepato-gastric ligament and was managed with operative intervention. To the best of the author's knowledge, it is the first-ever reported case of a pancreatic abscess within the hepato-gastric ligament in the world. Literature was reviewed to explore potential etiopathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of this extremely rare condition. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38 years old gentleman, chronic alcoholic, having a previous history of acute pancreatitis 3 months back, presented with fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit) and a huge [20 cm (horizontal) X 15 cm (vertical)] severely painful swelling in the epigastric region. The swelling was round-shaped, intra-abdominal, fixed to deeper tissue, tense-cystic, poorly trans-illuminant, non-pulsatile and irreducible. Routine blood tests showed leucocytosis (14,500/mm3) with neutrophilia and elevated plasma pancreatic amylase and lipase levels. USG and MDCT scan of the whole abdomen revealed a thick-walled echogenic cystic swelling of size 18 cm × 12 cm in the epigastric region. USG guided aspiration of the cyst revealed mixed purulent brownish fluid. The cyst fluid was negative for mucin stain and contained high amylase level with low CEA level, suggesting infected pancreatic pseudocyst. An open drainage procedure was considered through an upper midline laparotomy. Aspiration of the pus mixed cyst fluid along with tissue debris was done. Through irrigation of the cyst was done with normal saline. The cyst wall was de-roofed leaving a small part adherent to the inferior surface of the left lobe of the liver. Later the cyst fluid culture showed significant growth of Escherichia coli. He was put on IV antibiotics. The patient was discharged in a stable condition after 5 days. The histopathological examination confirmed pancreatic abscess. Six months after the operation, the patient is doing well, remaining asymptomatic and there is no sign of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Due to extreme rarity, pancreatic abscess formation within hepato-gastric ligament may be a diagnostic dilemma and requires a high index of suspicion. Surgeons should be aware of this rare clinical entity for prompt management of potential morbidity.

Next generation sequencing of the cellular and liquid fraction of pancreatic cyst fluid supports discrimination of IPMN from pseudocysts and reveals cases with multiple mutated driver clones: First findings from the prospective ZYSTEUS biomarker study.

Approximately half of all pancreatic cysts are neoplastic, mainly comprising intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), which can progress to invasive carcinoma. Current Fukuoka guidelines have limited sensitivity and specificity in predicting progression of asymptomatic pancreatic cysts. We present first results of the prospective ZYSTEUS biomarker study investigating (i) whether detection of driver mutations in IPMN by liquid biopsy is technically feasible, (ii) which compartment of IPMN is most suitable for analysis, and (iii) implications for clinical diagnostics. Twenty-two patients with clinical inclusion criteria were enrolled in ZYSTEUS. Fifteen cases underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration and cytological diagnostics. Cellular and liquid fraction of the cysts of each case were separated and subjected to deep targeted next generation sequencing (NGS). Clinical parameters, imaging findings (EUS and MRI), and follow-up data were collected continuously. All IPMN cases (n = 12) showed at least one mutation in either KRAS (n = 11) or GNAS (n = 4). Three cases showed both KRAS and GNAS mutations. Six cases harbored multiple KRAS/GNAS mutations. In the three cases with pseudocysts, no KRAS or GNAS mutations were detected. DNA yields were higher and showed higher mutation diversity in the cellular fraction. In conclusion, mutation detection in pancreatic cyst fluid is technically feasible with more robust results in the cellular than in the liquid fraction. Current results suggest that, together with imaging, targeted sequencing supports discrimination of IPMN from pseudocysts. The prospective design of ZYSTEUS will provide insight into diagnostic value of NGS in preoperative risk stratification. Our data provide evidence for an oligoclonal nature of IPMN.

Lumen-apposing stents versus plastic stents in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts: a large, comparative, international, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Larger caliber lumen-apposing stents (LAMSs) have been increasingly used in the management of pancreatic fluid collections, specifically when solid debris is present; however, their advantages over smaller caliber plastic stents in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of LAMS specifically in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts compared with double-pigtail plastic stents (DPPSs). METHODS: We performed a multicenter, international, retrospective study between January 2012 and August 2016. A total of 205 patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocysts were included, 80 patients received LAMSs and 125 received DPPSs. Measured outcomes included clinical success, technical success, adverse events, stent dysfunction, pancreatic pseudocyst recurrence, and need for surgery. RESULTS: Technical success was similar between the LAMS and the DPPS groups (97.5 % vs. 99.2 %; P = 0.32). Clinical success was higher for LAMSs than for DPPSs (96.3 % vs. 87.2 %; P = 0.03). While the need for surgery was similar between the two groups (1.3 % vs. 4.9 %, respectively; P = 0.17), the use of percutaneous drainage was significantly lower in the LAMS group (1.3 % vs. 8.8 %; P = 0.03). At 6-month follow-up, the recurrence rate was similar between the groups (6.7 % vs 18.8 %, respectively; P = 0.12). The rate of adverse events was significantly higher in the DPPS group (7.5 % vs. 17.6 %; P = 0.04). There was no difference in post-procedure mean length of hospital stay (6.3 days [standard deviation 27.9] vs. 3.7 days [5.7]; P = 0.31). CONCLUSION: When compared to DPPSs, LAMSs are a safe, feasible, and effective modality for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts and are associated with a higher rate of clinical success, shorter procedure time, less need for percutaneous interventions, and a lower overall rate of adverse events.

Age and cystic size are associated with clinical impact of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration on the management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms.

Objectives: The clinical impact of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in managing pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to identify which patients with PCNs would benefit from EUS-FNA. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on patients with PCNs who underwent EUS-FNA between January 2009 and June 2018. A discordant or a consistent diagnosis after EUS-FNA was analyzed and was correlated with the clinical demographic data and cystic features. Predictors of the change in the diagnosis after EUS-FNA were analyzed. Results: One hundred eighty-eight cases of PCNs were analyzed. EUS-FNA changed the diagnosis in 45.7% of all patients with PCNs and 54.5% patients with presumed branch ductal type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (BD-IPMN) and impacted the recommendation in 35.6% of patients with PCNs and 50.5% patients with BD-IPMN. Patients with a discordant diagnosis after EUS-FNA were younger in age (54.8 ± 12.6 vs. 61.2 ± 14.2; p=.037) and had a cyst size larger than 3 cm than patients with a consistent diagnosis after EUS-FNA. The only worrisome feature (WF) that differed between patients with a discordant and a consistent diagnosis after EUS-FNA was the main pancreatic duct (MPD) between 5 and 9 mm (p=.013). In multivariate analysis, a cyst size >3 cm and age were independent predictors of diagnostic changes after EUS-FNA (OR: 5.33, 95% CI: 1.79-15.88, p = .003; OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99, p = .031). Conclusions: EUS-FNA made a significant change in the management of nearly half of the patients with PCNs, especially in younger patients and in patients with a cyst size larger than 3 cm.

The Feasibility of Serum Multiple Tumor Markers Test Between Patients with Primary Pancreatic Cancer and Those with Benign Pancreatic Cystic Disease.

BACKGROUND: Although CA 19-9 is the primary marker used in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, other serum tumor markers have also been utilized in the follow-up of pancreatic cancer. We investigated the clinical utility of CYFRA 21-1, AFP, CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125, NSE, and combinations of these markers in patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We enrolled patients with primary pancreatic cancer and benign pancreatic cystic disease (n = 163). We performed sensitivity tests for multiple tumor markers, plotted receiver operating characteristic curves, and conducted multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard method. Survival data were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis of overall survival. RESULTS: Among multiple tumor markers assessed in this study, CA 19-9 showed good diagnostic performance, with an area under the curve of 0.86 ± 0.04 in ROC analysis. Based on two different cutoff values, CYFRA 21-1 (≥ 2.0 and 1.83 ng/mL) had a respective sensitivity of 80.4% and 82.3% and was also more significant than the other tumor markers in a parallel test. There was a weak significant relationship between tumoral fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and CYFRA 21-1 or CA 19-9. Initial CA 125, CYFRA 21-1, and CEA could be utilized to categorize subgroups with different overall survival. In multivariate analyses, CA 125 (HR 18.8, p < 0.001) and CYFRA 21-1 levels (HR 0.962, p = 0.006) demonstrated independent prognostic significance for predicting overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to CA 19-9, the present study suggested that various tumor markers could be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Further studies are warranted to confirm the clinical usefulness of diverse biological markers in pancreatic cancer.

Management of complications of acute pancreatitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute pancreatitis can result in a number of localized complications such as pancreatic pseudocysts, walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON), and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS). The management of these conditions has evolved over the past three decades such that minimally invasive endoscopic drainage and debridement methods are now the favored, first-line approach. This article will review the latest developments and controversies regarding the endoscopic management of these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: For patients with pancreatic pseudocysts, it remains to be clear what the role of routine ERCP is in this population. For WON, it is clear that when expertise is available, a minimally invasive approach may be the most suitable option. There is a growing literature raising concern about LAMS-associated bleeding in this group, however. Alterations in LAMS placement and stent dwell time may reduce this risk. Lastly, recognition of the DPDS is an important factor that needs to be recognized whenever present, as these patients will require a long-term management strategy and may require multimodality intervention. SUMMARY: Despite the development of new endoscopic techniques and dedicated devices for managing pancreatic fluid collections and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome, a number of issues remain unresolved in terms of best practice methods.

[Simple mucinous cyst of the pancreas: Case-report and literature review]. / Kyste mucineux simple du pancréas : description d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

Simple mucinous cyst of the pancreas is an unusual pancreatic cyst, first described by Kosmahl et al. in 2002 with 5 cases. We describe a case of simple mucinous cyst of the pancreas, followed by a literature review. The physiopathology of this cyst is still unclear. It is an epithelial cyst, presenting as unilocular cystic lesion of the pancreatic body or tail, with a clear content, and no communication with the pancreatic duct. Microscopically, the cyst is lined by mucin-producing cells with mild atypia, and contains a fibrous wall without ovarian-like stroma. The prognosis is excellent, as no recurrent disease and progression to malignancy have been described. The non neoplastic origin of this lesion is debated, as cases with KRAS mutation and intra-epithelial neoplastic lesions have been recently reported. It is important to distinguish this lesion from macrocystic serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystic neoplasms and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, by clinical, radiological and pathological features, as the treatment varies from simple surveillance to surgical resection.

[A case report of suspected ischemic acute pancreatitis caused by temporary interruption of anticoagulant drugs for diverticular bleeding of the colon].

A 66-year-old man was hospitalized for diverticular bleeding of the colon. Anticoagulant drugs (Dabigatran and Beraprost sodium), which had been taken for chronic underlying atrial fibrillation, were interrupted for three days. After two months, he presented with acute pancreatitis and a pancreatic pseudocyst. The contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed an atrial thrombus and localized splenic infarction. Consequently, we suspected ischemic acute pancreatitis secondary to thrombus. Anticoagulant drug interruption and the resultant local ischemia were potential factors contributing to ischemic pancreatitis.

Risk factors and nomogram for pancreatic pseudocysts in chronic pancreatitis: A cohort of 1998 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pancreatic pseudocyst is a common complication of chronic pancreatitis. The identification of risk factors and development of a nomogram for pancreatic pseudocysts in chronic pancreatitis patients may contribute to the early diagnosis and intervention of pancreatic pseudocysts. METHODS: Patients with chronic pancreatitis admitted to our center from January 2000 to December 2013 were enrolled. Cumulative rates of pancreatic pseudocysts after the onset of chronic pancreatitis and after the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis were calculated. Patients were randomly assigned, in a 2:1 ratio, to the training and validation cohort. Based on the training cohort, risk factors were identified through Cox proportional hazards regression model, and nomogram was developed. Internal and external validations were performed based on the training and validation cohort, respectively. RESULTS: With a total of 1998 patients, pancreatic pseudocysts were detected in 228 (11.41%) patients. Age at the onset of chronic pancreatitis, smoking, and severe acute pancreatitis were identified risk factors for pancreatic pseudocysts development while steatorrhea and pancreatic stones were protective factors. Incorporating these five factors, the nomogram achieved good concordance indexes of 0.735 and 0.628 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, with well-fitted calibration curves. CONCLUSION: The nomogram achieved an individualized prediction of pancreatic pseudocysts development in chronic pancreatitis. It may help the early diagnosis and management of pancreatic pseudocysts.

Surgical Treatment of Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm with Digestive Tract Communication - Presentation of Two Cases.

Splenopancreatectomy performed for pancreatic pseudo-cyst with splenic artery pseudo-aneurysm and communication with the digestive tract (stomach or colon) is a very rare indication and a small number of these procedures are described in literature. Managing peri-pancreatic pseudo-aneurysm is complex and can be challenging. Surgical treatment is of curative intent and can involve multiple visceral resections. Surgery can be performed in an emergency setting, if the patient presents cataclysmic bleeding, or in a planned manner if the pseudo-aneurysm is discovered incidentally or if the patient manages to overcome the initial bleeding. In this paper we present two cases of pancreatic pseudo-cysts with splenic artery pseudo-aneurysms and communication with the digestive tract (one with pseudo-cystic-colonic communication and the other one with gastric communication). Both patients were males, suffered from chronic pancreatitis and were known to have pancreatic pseudo-cysts. For the treatment of the first patient, surgery was performed in an elective setting, after intensive investigations. The other patient presented with cataclysmic bleeding and emergency surgery was performed in order to control the bleeding. We conclude that surgery remains the main option of treatment for these patients. It can be used as a first line of treatment or secondary to endovascular procedures.