During the past 4 years from 1967 to 1970, 16 cases of pancreatic abscesses were treated
surgically or medically at the Seoul National University Hospital.
The results were as follows;
1. Males were involved significantly more than females (12:4). Their ages ranged from 31 to
65 years, the average being 51.
2. Acute pancreatitis preceded the formation of pancreatic abscess in all but one case. The ave
rage duration from the onset to diagnosis (medical) or operation (surgical) was 26 days.
3. Abdominal pain and nausea, vomiting were the most frequent symptoms. Abdominal tenderness,
fever, palpable mass and abdominal distention were the most frequent physical findings.
4. Leucocytosis (avg. 17,000) were noticed in all but one case. In 2 patients, persistent significant
elevation of serum amylase was observed.
5. Various rentgenological findings were diagnostic and gas shadow in abscess was observed in 2
patients.
6. 12 patients underwent drainage procedure with rubber drains. Eight of them had relatively
uneventful post-operative course, and three patients died from severe post-operative complications.
One required re-operation for residual abscess.
7. Medical treatment was given to 4 selected patients. Good results were obtained in all these
patients and all recovered.
8. Overall mortality rate was 19% (3 out of 16 patients).
9. Feasibility of medical treatment in selected cases is presented and the result was compared
with the group treated surgically.
Literatures on this subject were reviewed.
|