Pancreatic Pseudocyst Treatment in Boulder, CO

The pancreas is a vital organ in your belly between the stomach and the backbone. Although it is well hidden, it’s still prone to diseases and injuries, like pancreatic pseudocysts. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, schedule an appointment with Alpine Surgical. We offer pancreatic pseudocyst treatment in Boulder, CO.

What Is a Pancreatic Pseudocyst?

A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled lump that resembles a cyst and grows outside of the pancreas after it has been wounded, typically by pancreatitis caused by alcoholism. The pancreas is an organ that produces enzymes for your digestive system. It transports these enzymes as fluid to your small intestine via the pancreatic duct.

Pancreatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and edema of the pancreas. A severe case of pancreatitis may cause your pancreatic duct to leak. When pancreatic juices spill, the digestive enzymes might cause irritation in the surrounding tissues. A fibrous, scar-like tissue-based protective capsule grows around the leak. This is a pseudocyst.

Pancreatic Cyst Vs Pancreatic Pseudocyst

A pancreatic pseudocyst is not a real cyst because it is not composed of true pancreatic tissue. The capsule is made up entirely of fibrous scar tissue and lacks the distinctive epithelial cell lining found in pancreatic tissue. Instead, it’s bordered by granulation tissue, which grows over a wound as it heals.

A pancreatic pseudocyst is ultimately an inflammatory wound, not a different tissue. A pancreatic cyst, on the other hand, is a tissue-based development in the pancreas’ wall. It may contain both fluid and solid materials. Some genuine cysts have carcinogenic potential.

Drainage and Surgical Options for Symptomatic Pseudocysts

Pancreatic pseudocysts are not malignant (cancerous) and seldom result in major complications. They frequently go away on their own. However, if they become too large, they may interfere with surrounding organs or blood vessels. They may occasionally become infected.

In these circumstances, Alpine Surgical provides pancreatic pseudocyst treatment in Boulder, CO. For diagnosis, we use high-quality imaging tests like MRI and CT scans. We may also need to take samples by using endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration.

Pancreatic pseudocysts usually heal on their own. However, you should see our surgeons immediately if they last more than six weeks. One treatment that we can do is called endoscopic drainage (cystogastrostomy). It is a minimally invasive procedure that drains the fluid from the pancreatic pseudocyst to the stomach or small intestine using drainage tubes.

Pancreatic Pseudocyst Treatment at Alpine Surgical

Treatment for a pancreatic pseudocyst will include a brief hospital stay and a follow-up treatment after several weeks to remove the drainage tubes. The success rate for drainage operations exceeds 90%. Contact Alpine Surgical today for pancreatic pseudocyst treatment in Boulder, CO.