Endoscopic, transmural drainage and necrosectomy for walled-off pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis is associated with low mortality--a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic transmural drainage and necrosectomy (ETDN) is a promising alternative to percutaneous drainage and surgical intervention in the treatment of walled-off pancreatic and peripancreatic necroses (WONs). We assessed the outcome and safety profile of ETDN in a single-center patient cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In November 2005, ETDN for WON was introduced in our tertiary referral center. During a 6-year period (Nov 2005-Nov 2011), we retrospectively collected data on all patients who underwent ETDN.

RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were treated with ETDN (median age 54, 52 men). Gallstones were the predominant etiology of pancreatitis (41%), followed by alcohol (33%). Median time from debut of symptoms to first endoscopic treatment was 44 (9-246) days. Culture-proven infected necrosis was found in 71% of the cases. Twenty-three patients (28%) required admission in intensive care unit. The technical and clinical success rates were 99% and 89%, respectively. Procedure-related complications occurred in 10 (12%) patients, of which 1 was procedure-related death. In-hospital mortality was 11%.

CONCLUSION: ETDN in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis and infected necrosis performed in a single, high-volume center has an acceptable safety profile and is associated with a low mortality.