Percutaneous Endoscopic Necrosectomy of Walled-Off Pancreatic and Peripancreatic Necrosis.

Background

Minimally invasive approaches for managing complications of acute necrotizing pancreatitis have advanced significantly in recent decades. When extensive walled-off pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis is present, a single transluminal access may be insufficient. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy technique used as an adjunct to transmural drainage in patients with symptomatic walled-off necrosis.

Methods

A total of 513 consecutive patients with symptomatic walled-off pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis treated between 2018 and 2025 at a single tertiary center in Poland were included. All patients underwent minimally invasive endoscopic management. Among them, a subgroup required additional percutaneous drainage. The innovative technique involved creating retroperitoneal percutaneous access to the necrotic cavity, enlarging the tract, and placing a self-expanding metal stent to allow passage of the endoscope for percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy.

Results

Additional percutaneous drainage was necessary in 39/513 patients (7.6%). Of these, 9/39 (23.1%) patients (2 women, 7 men; mean age 46.7 years) underwent percuaneous endoscopic necrosectomy. The mean size of the necrotic collection was 25.96 cm. Active percutaneous drainage during ongoing transmural endotherapy lasted a median of 15 days. Patients underwent an average of 3.12 necrosectomy sessions. Treatment-related complications occurred in 2/9 patients (22.22%). Clinical and long-term success were each achieved in 8/9 patients (88.89%).

Conclusions

Percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy is a promising minimally invasive therapeutic option for extensive walled-off pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis, particularly when necrosis extends into the pelvic region. However, clinical evidence remains limited and further studies are needed.