AIM To compare efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided and surgical drainage in pancreatic fluid collection management.METHODS Data were obtained retrospectively from January 2012 to December 2016.Patients with pancreatic fluid collection were performed EUS-guided or surgical procedure.Main outcome measures including clinical efficiency,complication,duration of procedures,hospital stay and cost were analyzed.RESULTS Thirty-six patients were enrolled into the study,including 14 in endoscopic group while 22 in the surgical group.Twelve (86%) patients were treated successfully by endoscopic approach while 21 (95%) patients benefited through surgical procedure.Endoscopic treatment had higher recurrence and complication rates than surgery,resulting in more re-interventions.Meanwhile,duration of procedure,hospital stay and cost were significantly lower in endoscopic group.CONCLUSION Both approaches were effective and safe.EUS-guided approach should be the first-line treatment in mild and simple cases,while surgical approach should be considered as priority in severe and complex cases.