ABSTRACT
Objectives To evaluate the results and efficacy of gas-insufflated retroperitoneoscopic necrosectomy (GIRN) for proven infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP).Methods 24 patients presenting proven infected pancreatic necrosis during course of acute pancreatitis were prospectively offered minimally invasive necrosectomy.A descriptive explanation of the GIRN was given together with the results of a retrospective analysis of all patients.Results All 24 patients who underwent retroperitoneoscopic necrosectomies survived.Postoperative hospitai stay ranged from 7 to 105 d (median,29 d).In 14 patients,GIRN yielded excellent results and avoided complementary treatment after a single session.7 patients underwent only one repeated session and the other 3 patients underwent 3 times.3 patients finally underwent laparotomy and necrosectomy due to remaining infected necroses in the peritoneal cavity.Conclusion GIRN has been found safe and is associated with a high success rate in our limited number of patients,and it should be regarded as a first-choice surgical option for INP.