Percutaneous transgastric drainage of the lesser sac in children

In four children (5-14 years old), lesser sac fluid collections (3 pseudocysts and 1 abscess) were externally drained using a percutaneous transgastric approach. With ultrasound or CT guidance and fluoroscopic monitoring, a sheathed needle is inserted through the stomach into the lesser sac fluid collection, the catheter is exchanged, secured in place and connected to external drainage. All four fluid collections were complications of pancreatitis (3 acute post-traumatic, 1 post-surgical). All four fluid collections were successfully drained without need for surgical intervention. There were no major complications. Three minor complications occurred as a result of reinsertion of catheters: transient gastric venous bleeding, hematuria, and bleeding into the pseudocyst. Percutaneous transgastric drainage can be performed successfully in children, and provides an alternative to surgical intervention of lesser sac fluid collections. Drainage early in the course of pancreatic pseudocysts may lessen the morbidity, potential mortality, and prolonged hospitalization usually necessary for standard medical and surgical management of these patients.