Traumatic Pseudocysts of the Pancreas

Abstract

Traumatic injuries to the pancreas have frequently been overlooked in considering causes of intra-abdominal disease. This report presents experience gained in the diagnosis and management of ten patients with traumatic pseudocysts of the pancreas. Eight of the patients had blunt trauma to the pancreas while two had penetrating wounds with pancreatic injury as a secondary complication. All of the patients presented difficult problems in diagnosis. Three of the patients demonstrated marked ascites. X-ray films of the upper-gastrointestinal tract were most helpful in directing attention toward the pancreas. Diagnosis was usually established when measurements of serum and ascitic fluid amylase were performed. When the nature of the illness was recognized and appropriate therapy initiated, the patients usually recovered rapidly.