Endoscopic transluminal pancreatic necrosectomy

The condition

The pancreas is a part of the digestive system. It is a gland that sits behind the stomach. It produces fluid containing enzymes that help to digest food. Sometimes these enzymes can attack the pancreas itself causing swelling, inflammation and severe pain (acute pancreatitis). This can result in a serious, life-threatening complication called necrosis, in which some of the pancreas tissue dies.

The usual surgical treatment for pancreatic necrosis is open or keyhole surgery to remove the dead tissue. In some patients, fluid collects that needs to be drained using an endoscope.

NICE has looked at using endoscopic transluminal pancreatic necrosectomy as another treatment option. The aim of this procedure is to avoid open or keyhole surgery and the complications associated with them.

NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.