Peripancreatic collection drainage is a medical procedure used to drain fluid that has accumulated in the area surrounding the pancreas, usually as a result of inflammation, infection, or injury. This collection of fluid is known as a peripancreatic or pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) and can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
During the procedure, a small incision is made in the skin and a drainage catheter is inserted through the incision and into the collection under X-ray or Ultrasound guidance. The catheter allows the fluid to drain out and into a collection bag or container, which can then be emptied regularly.
The drainage of this collection may be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a larger treatment plan for pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders. The procedure is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient setting and can be performed using local anesthesia.
This minimally invasive procedure of percutaneous drainage saves the patient from life threatening sepsis and the need for morbid surgical alternatives. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with peripancreatic collection drainage, including bleeding, infection, damage to nearby organs, and the possibility of the collection reforming or recurring.