Pancreatic ascites.
Pancreatic ascites is the accumulation of high protein, amylase-rich intraperitoneal fluid which occurs during the course of chronic pancreatitis, in association with rupture of a pseudocyst or disruption of a pancreatic duct. This is an uncommon complication, with less than 250 cases reported in the literature. We have treated 6 patients with pancreatic ascites. Five were males with a history of chronic alcoholism, but no known pancreatic disease. The diagnosis was made by ascitic tap and the site of the leakage identified by ERCP. Treatment was initiated with total parenteral nutrition in all cases. In 5 patients, the ascites failed to respond to medical therapy. Surgical intervention was indicted in 3 of these patients. The diagnosis of pancreatic ascites should be considered in patients with refractory ascites, and a combination of medical care and judicious surgery have contributed to an improved outcome.
Fernández-Cruz
L
L
Department of Surgery, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain.
Margarona
E
E
Llovera
J
J
López-Boado
M A
MA
Saenz
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D001201:Ascites / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010180:Pancreatectomy; D010192:Pancreatic Pseudocyst / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total