Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic ascites.

Pancreatic ascites, etiologically related to a leaking pseudocyst or ductal disruption, has been treated medically with hyperalimentation, somatostatin analog, and large-volume paracentesis. Surgery is ultimately required in more than 50% of such patients. Mortality figures in patients with pancreatic ascites approximate 15% to 25% with either treatment modality. We describe 4 patients who were found to have ductal disruptions in conjunction with pancreatic ascites who responded to transpapillary pancreatic duct endoprosthesis placement. There has been no recurrence of ascites in these patients at a mean follow-up of 12 months following stent-retrieval. Further evaluation of endoscopic therapy for pancreatic ascites appears warranted.