[Degenerated papillomatosis of the bile duct]

Papillomatosis of the biliary ducts is exceptional. It is defined by the presence of multiple, benign, papillary type, epithelial tumors on the choledochus and hepatic ducts, and can also effect the gallbladder and intrahepatic bile ducts. It courses with a tendency to recurrence and secondary degeneration, and its prognosis is uncertain and sometimes grave. The treatment is surgical and depends on the extension of the lesions, often being only palliative. The techniques of choice are curettage and biliodigestive derivation. A case is presented of degenerated papillomatosis treated by cephalic duodenopancreatectomy and cholecystectomy.