In the treatment of local complications of pancreatitis no universally accepted algorithm currently exists. The approach often is dictated by the expertise of the surgeon and the interventional radiologist. The clinical status of the patient (eg, presence of sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multisystem organ failure or acute haemorrhage) often determines the approach to be taken.
Image-guided drainage procedures have proved to be effective alternatives to surgery, particularly early in the course of complications from severe acute pancreatitis with necrosis. Some of these percutaneous procedures are performed to stabilize seriously ill patients before surgery (bridge care), and others are intended to cure.
Interventional radiology also is called for ancillary procedure. Pseudoaneurysms or active bleeding related to acute pancreatitis are usually diagnosed on the basis of contrast enhanced CT findings, and images should be obtained in late arterial and portal venous phases.
Interventional
Interventional radiology plays an increasing, crucial role in the multidisciplinary management of complications pancreatitis. It provides a minimally invasive therapy also in critical patients, reducing recovery times and avoiding operation morbidity.