The pancreas is a vital organ that helps digest food and regulate blood sugar levels. Problems occur when the organ becomes inflamed, and this condition is called pancreatitis. When the pancreas is in an inflamed state, some of the its ducts, which carry enzyme-containing liquids, can become blocked. When these ducts can’t distribute juices throughout the body, it can lead to the development of fluid filled sacs. These sacs are known as pancreatic pseudocysts.

Pancreatic pseudocysts aren’t true cysts in that their sac is not comprised of a specific lining of cells like those of true cysts, but they can still be problematic.

Pancreatic Pseudocyst Symptoms

Symptoms can vary between patients, but the most common symptoms associated with a pancreatic pseudocyst include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Tenderness of the abdomen
• Vomiting

If you experience any of the above symptoms, consider visiting a specialist.

Pancreatic Pseudocyst Diagnosis and Treatment

If your doctor believes your may be suffering from a pancreatic pseudocyst, he or she will likely order a CT scan or an ultrasound. These imaging techniques are more comprehensive than an X-ray, in that they allow the doctor to see the formation of any fluid-filled sacs in the pancreas. Your doctor may also order a round of blood tests to check for high levels of certain proteins, which may indicate that you’re dealing with pancreatitis.

There are a few different ways to treat pancreatic pseudocysts. Sometimes the condition resolves on its own, so your doctor may work to treat your pancreatitis and monitor the pseudocysts to see if they go away on their own. However, if the pseudocyst is large, painful or causing problems, surgery may be necessary.

Surgery for pancreatic pseudocysts typically involves making a connection between the pseudocyst and a nearby digestive organ. The pseudocyst then drains through that organ, be it the stomach, small intestine or duodenum. In some cases, doctors may be able to drain the sac without surgery with the assistance of a guided needle or by inserting a stent during an endoscopy. In the end, treatments vary by patient and pseudocyst severity. Consult with a skilled pancreatic surgeon to discuss your options.