Management of pancreas divisum

Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital anomaly of the pancreas. Abnormal hedgehog protein signaling appears related to the formation of several pancreatic malformations, including annular pancreas, pancreatic-biliary malunion, pancreatic rests, and pancreas divisum. Pancreas divisum by itself should not necessarily require intervention. A careful evaluation should be performed to exclude other causes of symptoms. If the patient is asymptomatic, no further evaluation is necessary. However, a significant percentage of patients with pancreas divisum and acute recurrent pancreatitis benefit from intervention. Surgical sphincteroplasty and endoscopic interventions appear similar in outcome. Thus, endoscopic intervention with prophylactic temporary stenting is advised as initial therapy. Surgery should be reserved for patients with chronic pancreatitis.