Introduction: Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) as initial intervention in necrotizing pancreatitis has led to improved outcomes and obviated need for surgery in a significant proportion. However, there can be difficulty in accessing deep-seated necrotic collections by percutaneous catheter and complications are likely.
Methods: The present study involves a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis managed by a step-up approach. All patients who underwent PCD were studied for catheter-related complications.
Results: A total of 707 PCD catheters were used in 314 patients (median 2, interquartile range IQR 1-3). The total number of interventions were 1194 (median 3, IQR 2-5). Enteric communication was seen in 8.9%, of which colonic fistula occurred in 71.4%, duodenal in 17.8%, and jejunal in 10.7% of patients. Majority (78.5%) of the fistulae were managed conservatively by withdrawal of the drain. Operative management was required in 30% of colonic and 40% of duodenal fistulae. Need for surgery, length of hospital stay, and mortality were not significantly different between patients with and without fistulae. Bleeding complications were seen in 7.3% of patients, out of which 34.7% were managed conservatively, 21.7% required angioembolization of pseudo-aneurysms, and 34.7% needed surgery. Patients with bleeding had significantly higher requirement for surgery and mechanical ventilation compared to those with no bleeding. There was no significant increase in hospital stay, ICU stay, and mortality.
Conclusion: Hollow viscus and vascular injuries are important complications seen with catheter drainage of necrotic collections. Majority of patients with enteric communication were managed conservatively, with no added morbidity or mortality. Bleeding complications related to PCD had higher requirement for surgical intervention, but mortality rates remained similar to those of patients with no bleeding complications.
Keywords: Bleeding complications; CT scan guidance; Infected pancreatic necrosis, Sterile pancreatic necrosis; Intestinal fistula; Necrotizing pancreatitis; Percutaneous catheter drainage; Pseudoaneurysms; Ultrasound guidance.