Ampullary but not periampullary duodenal diverticula are an etiologic factor for chronic pancreatitis

Duodenal diverticula are common incidental findings. Although a definite treatment is rarely required, an association with biliary and pancreatic diseases is often suggested. Our aim was to determine the frequency of complications in relation to the location of the diverticulum.

We reviewed 64 patients with extraluminal duodenal diverticula. In 24 of these patients the diverticulum was treated surgically. The incidence of symptoms and complications is analyzed and follow-up in 88% of operated patients is presented.

Thirty-one patients presented with ampullary, 36 patients with periampullary diverticula. Three patients had both types of diverticula. The indication for surgery in 24 patients was chronic pancreatitis (n = 12), chronic pain (n = 6), diverticular perforation (n = 3), bleeding (n = 2), or jaundice (n = 1). In 7 out of 31 patients with ampullary and none out of 36 patients with periampullary diverticula, chronic pancreatitis was considered to be induced by the diverticulum. Morbidity in 24 operated patients was 17%, no patient died. At follow-up all patients were free of symptoms.

Extraluminal duodenal diverticula are frequently found. They rarely cause symptoms and need no surgical treatment. While ampullary duodenal diverticula can cause chronic pancreatitis, periampullary duodenal diverticula are no etiologic factor.