Pseudocyst sugery options

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Well we are waiting answers from my husbands GI regarding his cyst.

He has requested the films from the MRCP and is supposed to get them

today. They say they are going to schedule a procedure depending on

what he sees.

He had discussed drainage of the cyst and said they could do it

laproscopically and he would have an external drainage tube. The

advantage being laproscopic surgery that is less invasive, less time

in the hospital, the drawback being that the external drain would

have to be cleaned frequently and I believe offers more risk for

infection. The other alternatives were regular surgery that would

drain the cyst in the stomach or intestines, but this would be more

invasive, require more hospital and heal time, but seems to be less

of a risk for infection.

I would love if anyone could offer their results either way. My

husband's doctor told him he would offer him some input and my

husband is very undecided at the moment. Again, thanks for your

thoughts.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I just read your post about your husband having a pseudocyst. Back

in 1986, I had a pseudocyst on the tail of my pancreas. My doctor

hoped the pseudocyst would shrink but instead grew larger. Finally,

I was given the same options that your husband has been given and I

chose to have surgery. My surgeon went in and drained the

pseudocyst through the stomach. After the surgery, I was able to

eat just about anything I wanted without pain and this continued for

about fourteen years. Fourteen wonderful years, I might add! I

guess I was one of the lucky ones and I feel very blessed. I had a

very good surgeon, family support and I was on many prayer lists.

Anyway, I feel, in my case, I made the right decision. I was told

the Acute Pancreatitis I had at that time caused the pseudocyst but

I find it very strange that my pain subsided after the pseudocyst

was gone. For me, it was very important to have faith in my surgeon

as well as my spiritual faith. It's strange how we take eating for

granted until we have pancreatitis and then food becomes our enemy.

Until 1986, I didn't know I had a Pancreas, let alone, what it's

function was. Even now, when I'm able to eat without pain, I'm

amazed and very thankful and my heart goes out to others who live

with this every day of their lives.

I just wanted you to know that sometimes there are success stories

with people who have a pseudocyst surgically drained....hope this

will give your husband some encouragement. If I can help in any

way, please let me know. Good luck!

Hugs & Prayers,

Carole/NC

[Guest guest]

Thanks Carole, I am pleased to read you had success, we are looking

into this as a positive and hoping it goes well. I know there are

alot of complications that can occur, but it is inspiring to hear a

success story. Take care and good health,

--I think hubby is veering towards the surgery as opposed to the

laproscopic procedure. Seems less risky.