Early Versus Standard Endoscopic Interventions for Peripancreatic Fluid Collections

Acute pancreatitis is a complex gastrointestinal disease with a variable course that is often difficult to predict early in its development. The majority of cases are mild, self-limited, and follow an uncomplicated course. However, 10-20% of cases can be associated with pancreatic or peripancreatic fluid collections, or both. Infected necrosis complicates 10% of all acute pancreatitis episodes and is associated with a mortality of 15-20%. Current guidelines for necrotizing pancreatitis recommend to postpone drainage until 4 or more weeks after initial presentation to allow collections to "walled-off". However, evidence of infection with clinical deterioration despite maximum support may mandate earlier intervention. It is unclear whether such delay is needed for drainage or whether earlier endoscopic intervention could actually be beneficial in the current approach. The aims of this randomized, controlled, multicenter study is to evaluate whether early endoscopic drainage in patients with peripancreatic fluid collection is superior to postponed intervention in the current practice.