The British journal of surgery
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Percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided aspiration of abdominal collections is performed in necrotizing pancreatitis to detect infection of necrosis, which is an adverse prognostic factor and requires surgical drainage. However, in the case of sterile aspirates, the outcome and the optimum management are subject to debate. This study examined the clinical and bacteriological outcome of patients with severe acute pancreatitis with initially sterile necrosis and assessed the efficiency of percutaneous drainage in this setting. ⋯ Percutaneous drainage of sterile collections predisposed to secondary infection of the necrosis and did not cure the patients. A first sterile percutaneous aspiration did not predict a favourable course and surgery frequently remains necessary.