Pancreatic fluid collections : towards a classification to facilitate treatment selection

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-59).This dissertation represents the culmination of work and research on the management of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) undertaken at Groote Schuur Hospital. The aim of the study was to review the management outcome, via different treatment modalities, of pancreatic fluid collections according to a locally derived classification. Patients with symptomatic and unresolved PFCs treated during a nine year period were reviewed, assessing clinical features and anatomical location determined using CT scanning. The classification system applied distinguishes PFCs according to the associated pancreatitis, being acute or chronic. This was based on definitions established at the Atlanta Symposium in 1992. The chronic pancreatitis related pseudocysts were further selected anatomically into intra or extra pancreatic