Langenbeck's archives of surgery
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Langenbecks Arch Surg · Mar 2000
Review Case ReportsHemosuccus pancreaticus complicating chronic pancreatitis: an obscure cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Hemosuccus pancreaticus, a rare form of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, may complicate chronic pancreatitis and pose a significant diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. ⋯ Hemosuccus pancreaticus is rare, but should be considered in patients with chronic pancreatitis and gastrointestinal bleeding. In the absence of pancreatitis-related indications for surgery, angiographic embolization can be definitive treatment. If there are pancreatitis-related indications for operation, angiographic embolization may allow an elective operative procedure based on structural changes of the pancreas. If embolization fails, pancreatic resection is usually required, often on an emergent basis.