Giant traumatic pancreatic pseudocyst in a 17-year-old male: a case report

Abstract Pancreatic pseudocysts are localized fluid collections surrounded by non-epithelialized walls, typically arising as a complication of pancreatitis or pancreatic trauma. While common in adults with a history of pancreatitis, traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts in adolescents are rare. This case report describes an unusual presentation of a giant traumatic pancreatic pseudocyst in a 17-year-old male following abdominal trauma. The case highlights the diagnostic challenges, surgical management, and postoperative course of this condition in a young patient. By presenting this unique case, we aim to contribute to the limited literature on traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts in adolescents and provide insights into effective management strategies in resource-limited settings. This case report describes a 17-year-old male who developed a giant pancreatic pseudocyst following abdominal trauma from a bicycle accident. The patient presented with abdominal distention and pain. Diagnostic imaging revealed an 18.5 × 10.0 × 13.5 cm pancreatic pseudocyst. Management involved open transgastric cystogastrostomy, resulting in successful drainage. Despite a postoperative surgical site infection, the patient achieved full recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering pancreatic pseudocysts in young trauma patients and demonstrates the efficacy of surgical management in resource-limited settings.