In situ high-volume modified continuous closed and/or open lavage for infected necrotizing pancreatitis.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical significance of high-volume modified continuous closed and/or open lavage for the treatment of infected necrotizing pancreatitis.

Methods: From August 1997 to December 2006, 53 patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis who underwent in situ high-volume (>20 L/d) continuous closed lavage using a single-lumen rubber catheter and/or open lavage were retrospectively studied in our hospital, and the advantages of this new technique were analyzed.

Results: Modified continuous closed lavage was the initial treatment for all patients; in 6 patients with secondary retroperitoneal sepsis or abscess, continuous open lavage was performed. Impaired tube patency and lavage fluid retention did not occur in any of these patients. The overall mortality was 17.0% (9/53). Twelve patients underwent early surgery, and 5 (41.7%) died; 41 patients underwent delayed surgery, and 4 (9.8%) died. Significant local complications occurred in 14 patients (26.4%); the incidence of bleeding, abscess, and fistula was 13.2% (7/53), 9.4% (5/53), and 9.4% (5/53), respectively.

Conclusions: Our technique of in situ high-volume modified continuous closed and/or open lavage has produced a better control of infected necrotizing pancreatitis.