Intraperitoneal rupture of pancreatic pseudocyst: report of a case and review of the literature.

A case is presented of pancreatic pseudocyst which ruptured as a result of an automobile accident. Sixty-three cases from the literature of ruptured pseudocyst of the pancrease due to a variety of causes are reviewed. Special reference is made of the site of perforation and treatment. It is concluded that each case should be individualized, tailoring the operative procedure to the operative findings. While external drainage may be life saving in some cases and sometimes the only procedure possible, internal drainage is superior and should be considered when it can be done without endangering the patient's life.