Do not request surveillance investigations for patients with pancreatic cysts who are poor surgical candidates, irrespective of cysts nature and characteristics.
Pancreatic cystic lesions are an increasingly common finding, usually incidentally detected at abdominal investigations requested for other indications, due to the increased quality of imaging modalities. Patients with asymptomatic pancreatic cysts who are medically unfit for surgery, or unwilling to undergo surgery, should not undergo further investigations, irrespective of cyst size and characteristics, as these are not expected to change the clinical management.
Sources
1. European Study Group on Cystic Tumours of the Pancreas. European evidence-based guidelines on pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Gut 2018;67:789-804.
2. Wang Y, Kim MP. Guidelines for the management of pancreatic cystic lesions: many options, too few solutions? Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2025: 1;14:345-347.
3. Ohtsuka T, Fernandez-Del Castillo C, Furukawa T, et al. International evidence-based Kyoto guidelines for the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas. Pancreatology 2024;24:255-70.
4. Han Y, Kwon W, Lee M, et al. Optimal Surveillance Interval of Branch Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas. JAMA Surg 2024;159:389-96.
5. Cheung TT, Lee YT, Tang RS, et al. The Hong Kong consensus recommendations on the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic lesions. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr. 2023;12:715-35.
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PDFAttention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.
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