S3310 Optimizing WOPN Management: Multimodal Endoscopic Intervention Leading to Early Resolution
Introduction: Walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) is a late complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis with high morbidity. Management can include interventional radiology-guided drain placement, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural drainage, or surgical debridement. EUS-guided cystogastrostomy with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) placement is preferred due to its superior safety profile and lower complication rates, however recovery can be delayed when infection or extensive necrotic burden persists. Direct endoscopic necrosectomy may then be required through the LAMS. Adjunctive therapies, including hydrogen peroxide lavage and nasocystic irrigation, can improve debris clearance, however data on their combined use remains limited. We present a complex case of a large WOPN successfully managed through a multimodal endoscopic approach, leading to early resolution. Case Description/Methods: A 64-year-old man with chronic alcohol-related necrotizing pancreatitis presented in septic shock with worsening abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fevers. Cross-sectional imaging revealed a large, gas-containing WOPN measuring 17.6 × 9 × 8 cm. EUS confirmed a mature WOPN. Cystogastrostomy was performed with deployment of a 20 mm LAMS, draining thick fluid and necrotic debris. Over 1 month, the patient underwent 4 necrosectomies with hydrogen peroxide lavage to facilitate debridement. An 8 French nasojejunal tube was also positioned within the necrotic cavity to deliver continuous saline irrigation at 50 mL/hour. The patient's clinical condition steadily improved in the intensive care unit. The final necrosectomy showed complete endoscopic clearance of necrotic material. The LAMS was removed, and 2 double pigtail plastic stents were placed to maintain drainage. Follow-up imaging 3 days later demonstrated significant reduction in the size of the collection (10.2 × 4 × 3 cm). Repeat imaging 1 month later confirmed complete resolution. Discussion: In this case, a combined endoscopic approach (EUS-guided cystogastrostomy, serial necrosectomies with hydrogen peroxide lavage, and continuous saline irrigation via nasocystic drainage) allowed for complete and accelerated resolution of the necrotic collection and fewer necrosectomies than typically required. This synergistic approach may enhance treatment efficiency and patient outcomes in complex cases of WOPN. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term outcomes and to directly compare this multimodal strategy with standard endoscopic necrosectomy alone.
Authors
- Tejpal Gupta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8256-9206)
- Clay Smithhart
- Sreedhar Subramanian (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6483-1730)
- Aastha Bharwad
Publication Details
- Journal
- The American Journal of Gastroenterology
- Published
- 2025-10-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.14309/01.ajg.0001140700.61892.be
- Primary Topic
- Esophageal and GI Pathology
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00