Indwelling double-pigtail plastic stents for treating disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome-associated peripancreatic fluid collections: long-term safety and efficacy

Background Long-term transmural double-pigtail stent (DPS) placement is recommended for patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) and peripancreatic fluid collections (peri-PFCs). The long-term safety and efficacy of indwelling DPSs were evaluated. Methods Medical files of patients treated with DPS for DPDS-associated peri-PFC and with a follow-up >= 48 months were reviewed. Early (<30 days) and late complications of DPS placement were evaluated and the primary endpoint, i.e., incidence of late complications per 100 patient-years of follow-up, was calculated. Short- and long-term success rates of endoscopic treatment and rate of peri-PFC recurrence were among secondary endpoints. Results From 2002 to 2014 we identified 116 patients, with mean (SD) follow-up of 80.6 (34.4) months. Among early complications (n=20), 6 occurred peri-interventionally. Late complications (n=17) were mainly pain due to DPS-induced ulcer or erosion (n=10) and 14 of these were treated conservatively or by stent removal; 2 gastro-pancreatico-colo-cutaneous fistulas and 1 persisting bleed required surgical intervention. No DPS-related deaths were recorded. The incidence rate (95%CI) of late complications was 2.18 (1.27-3.49) per 100 patient-years of follow-up.Short- and long-term success rates (with 95%CI) of endoscopic treatment were 97.4% (94.5%-100%) and 94% (89.6%-98.3%), respectively. The peri-PFC recurrence rate was 28% (20.1%-35.9%), and 92.3% of these occurred within the first 2 years. Stent migration, chronic pancreatitis, and length of stent (>6cm) were independently associated with higher rates of peri-PFC recurrence. Conclusions Long-term transmural drainage with DPS is a safe and effective treatment for DPDS-associated peri-PFCs. However, about one quarter of peri-PFCs will recur.

Automated summary

Long-term transmural double-pigtail stent placement is a safe and effective treatment for patients with DPDS-associated peri-PFCs, but approximately one quarter of peri-PFCs will recur.