Pseudocyst of the pancreas complicating distal splenorenal shunt. A report of three cases with successful percutaneous drainage.

Three cases of pseudocysts of the pancreas complicating the operative procedure of distal splenorenal shunt are reported. In all of these patients, gross changes in the pancreas, consistent with chronic pancreatitis were found. Attention is called to the possibility of this complication occurring in association with this particular operation, specifically, when it is carried out in patients who may prove to have a considerable degree of pancreatic and retroperitoneal fibrosis secondary to alcoholic pancreatitis. All three pseudocysts were satisfactorily managed by percutaneous drainage under ultrasonic control, which provided a very satisfactory alternative to surgical decompression.