Minor papilla sphincterotomy for pancreatitis due to pancreas divisum

Pancreas divisum (PD) is the commonest congenital pancreatic abnormality and is implicated as a cause of acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP). We report our experience in minor papilla sphincterotomy (MPS) for this condition. Studies published at present have not examined MPS as the primary treatment method in a homogenous (i.e. only those with ARP) patient group.

Patients with PD and ARP were identified from an endoscopic database. Treatment protocol consisted of minor papilla guidewire cannulation and sphincterotomy with either sphincterotome over the wire or needle knife over pancreatic stent. A 5-Fr stent was placed for 1 week. Adjunctive therapy was carried out as required. Follow-up data was collected by interview with the patient and referring doctors and review of the medical record.

Twenty-one patients underwent MPS for PD and ARP (median age = 33 years, range 9-77 years, men = 14). Median number of procedures to achieve cannulation and MPS was 1 (range 1-3). Complications encountered were pancreatitis (n = 2) and pain (n = 3). MPS restenosis occurred in 2. Adjuvant therapy was required in 14: stricture dilatation (n = 9), stone extraction (n = 7) and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (n = 6). Complete stone clearance was achieved in 7/7. Median follow up was 38 months (range 4-67 months). Median total number of pancreatitis episodes and hospitalizations pre-MPS were 4 and 2, respectively (range 1-20 and 0-5, respectively). Post-MPS these were reduced to 0 and 0, respectively (range 0-8 and 0-4; P = 0.0007 and P = 0.0003), with complete abolition of episodes in 13 patients.

MPS in association with other endoscopic therapies imparts a significant clinical benefit to patients with ARP and PD. Complete clinical resolution occurs in the majority. Treatment is safe, and the response is durable.