Bleeding after pancreatic cystogastrostomy.

Two cases of postoperative bleeding after pancreatic cystogastrostomy are presented. From literature studies it is found that mortality in such cases varies greatly. Compiled literature studies reveal a frequency of 11% after cystogastrostomy and 7.4% after cystojejunostomy, but because of the differences in technique the frequencies cannot be examined statistically. It is still a matter of discussion which operation technique is the more suitable in preventing this complication. The various theories concerning the aetiology of the postoperative bleeding are discussed. As postoperative bleeding after cystogastrostomy is a life-threatening condition, immediate surgical intervention is imperative.