Endoscopic intraluminal treatment of pancreatic fluid collections after pancreas transplantation.

Objective: To improve the outcomes after pancreas transplantation complicated by pancreatitis using percutaneous drainage and endoscopic stenting of the main pancreatic duct.

Material And Methods: There were 64 transplantations of the pancreatoduodenal complex between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2021 at the Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Care. In 11 (17.2%) cases, early postoperative period was complicated by acute pancreatitis and parapancreatic fluid accumulations. Of these, 7 patients underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of focal destructions. This procedure was effective and did not require additional treatment. In 4 patients, debridement and drainage were ineffective and required additional endoscopic stenting of the main pancreatic duct.

Results: All patients underwent percutaneous drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections and subsequent fistulography. All patients had inhomogeneous cavities with irregular shape and volume of 19.6±1.8 cm. In 3 (75%) out of 4 patients, there was a passage of contrast agent into the main pancreatic duct of the graft and donor duodenal stump. We did not find contrast enhancement of ductal system in 1 (25%) patient since filling of the cavity with a contrast agent was not tight. Sensitivity of this method for detecting pancreatic ductal defects was 75%. Indications for stenting of the main pancreatic duct were established in 22.5±9.6 days after transplantation. Drainage and debridement were ineffective in 2 (50%) patients. In other 2 (50%) patients, peripancreatic fluid collections enlarged. All patients underwent endoscopic stenting of the main pancreatic duct.

Conclusion: Endoscopic stenting of the main pancreatic duct of the donor pancreas combined with percutaneous drainage of peripancreatic fluid accumulations is a highly effective and minimally invasive approach for fluid collections after transplantation of the pancreatoduodenal complex. This method also minimizes the incidence of postoperative complications. Thanks to this method, we avoided redo open surgeries in all cases.