Endotherapy is a recognized, widely available, and minimally invasive treatment method for pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) formed in the course of acute pancreatitis (AP). The use of endoscopic techniques in the treatment of main pancreatic duct (MPD) disruption due to AP remains unclear. In this article, a comprehensive review of current literature referencing our observations was performed to identify publications on the role of MPD stenting in patients undergoing endoscopic drainage of PFCs resulting from AP. In this paper, we attempt to clarify this most controversial aspect of endotherapy for PFCs based on existing knowledge and our own experience regarding the endoscopic treatment of AP sequelae. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography should be performed in all patients undergoing endoscopic drainage of walled-off pancreatic necrosis to assess the integrity of the main pancreatic duct and to implement endotherapy if pancreatic duct disruption is detected. Passive transpapillary drainage is an effective method for treating MPD disruption in the course of necrotizing AP and is one of the key components of endoscopic therapy for local pancreatic necrosis. Conversely, in patients with pancreatic pseudocysts, passive transpapillary drainage reduces the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment and should not be used even in cases of MPD disruption during transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts. In conclusion, the use of transpapillary drainage should depend on the type of the PFC. This conclusion is of great clinical importance, as it can help improve the results of pancreatic endotherapy for fluid collections resulting from AP.

In this article, an attempt was made to clarify the role of percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy (PEN) in the interventional treatment of pancreatic necrosis. A comprehensive review of the current literature was performed to identify publications on the role of PEN in patients with consequences of acute necrotizng pancreatitis. The aim of the study was to review the literature on minimal invasive necrosectomy, with emphasis on PEN using esophageal self-expanding metal stents (SEMS). The described results come from 15 studies after a review of the current literature. The study group comprised 52 patients (36 men and 16 women; mean age, 50.87 (13–75) years) with walled-off pancreatic necrosis, in whom PEN using a self-expandable esophageal stent had been performed. PEN was successfully completed in all 52 patients (100%). PEN complications were observed in 18/52 (34.62%) patients. Clinical success was achieved in 42/52 (80.77%) patients, with follow-up continuing for an average of 136 (14–557) days. In conclusion, the PEN technique is potentially effective, with an acceptable rate of complications and may be implemented with good clinical results in patients with pancreatic necrosis.

Introduction: Correct surgical technique and perioperative care are the two factors which can reduce the number of complications, improve treatment outcomes and decrease hospital length of stay. Implementation of enhanced recovery protocols has changed the approach to patient care in some clinical centers. However, significant differences among clinical centers can still be observed and the standard of care has remained unchanged in some of them. Aim: The goal of the expert group was to develop recommendations for modern perioperative care in accordance with the current state of medical knowledge, in order to reduce the number of complications associated with surgical treatment. An additional goal was to optimize and standardize perioperative care among Polish healthcare facilities. Materials and methods: Recommendations presented in this document are based on a comprehensive review of available literature from the PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases, published from January 1, 1985, to March 31, 2022, with a particular focus on systematic reviews and clinical recommendations of widely recognized scientific associations. The recommendations were formulated in a directive form and assessed using the Delphi method. Results and conclusions: A total number of 34 recommendations for perioperative care were developed. The recommendations cover various aspects of pre-, intra-, and postoperative care. Implementation of guidelines presented in this document allows to improve the outcomes of surgical treatment.

Gastrointestinal fistula is one of the most difficult problems in gastrointestinal surgery. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality, numerous complications, prolonged hospitalization, and high cost of treatment. This project aimed to develop recommendations for the treatment of gastrointestinal fistulas, based on evidence-based medicine and best clinical practice to reduce treatment-related mortality and morbidity. The preparation of these recommendations is based on a review of the literature from the PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases from 1.01.2010 to 31.12.2020, with particular emphasis on systematic reviews and clinical recommendations of recognized scientific societies. Recommendations in the form of a directive were formulated and assessed using the Delphi method. Nine recommendations were presented along with a discussion and comments of experts. Treatment should be managed by a multidisciplinary team (surgeon, anesthetist, clinical nutritionist/dietician, nurse, pharmacist, endoscopist).

Rapid development of advanced gastrointestinal endoscopic techniques contributed to the appearance of new biomedical materials including polymers, which are used for the production of different types of endoprostheses. Endotherapy (ET) of postinflammatory pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections (PPFCs) with the use of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is an effective method of treatment. This paper describes the high efficacy of ET and its potential complications, which are mostly related to the design of the LAMS used. The high efficacy of LAMS in the transmural drainage of PPFCs is associated with lower safety of treatment. Complications of ET presented in the manuscript are mainly related to endoprosthesis construction. This paper presents possible directions of development in the field of transmural LAMSs, which in the future may contribute to the invention of an innovative type of LAMS based on new biomedical technologies. Possibly, subsequent novel endoprosthesis projects, based on the above results, will be able to meet the current needs and requirements associated with endoscopic transmural drainage procedures in cases of postinflammatory PPFCs. The ultimate goal is to improve safety of minimally invasive techniques for treatment of the local consequences of pancreatitis.