Pancreatic pseudocyst is a complication of acute pancreatitis. After an attack of acute pancreatitis, instead of the pain and fever subsiding, continue unabated.The pancreatic juice and serous fluid get collected in the lesser peritoneal sac. The patient develops fulness and a palpable swelling in the upper part of the abdomen. Ileus of the intestines may continue.
Diagnosis: Ultra sound scanning is diagnostic. Barium meal x-rays may show the stomach being pushed forward. White blood cell count shows an increase.
Treatment: Some of the pseudocysts get absorbed in time. Many of the pseudocysts need surgical intervention. Laparoscopic removal of the collected fluid is done. Or alternatively a communication between the stomach and the cyst is made through the posterior stomach wall (gastro-cystostomy). This can be done either by laparoscopically or open surgical procedure.