Primary division of annular pancreas: a surgical technique

The authors presented a case of duodenal obstruction in a 61-year-old man, resulting from an annular pancreas diagnosed on imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasound). The patient underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Intraoperatively, given a straightforward appearance and anatomy of the annular pancreas overlying the second part of the duodenum, and due to extensive adhesions in the abdomen, a primary division of the annular pancreas was performed, instead of a bypass procedure such as gastrojejunostomy. He had some residual symptoms 1 week postoperatively which was treated with duodenal dilatation endoscopically. On review and follow-up at 1 year, he has remained well with resolution of symptoms, supported by radiological improvement on a computed tomography performed at 4 months post-operatively. We believe this approach has resulted in less morbidity and a shorter period of recovery as compared to a bypass procedure and represents a reasonable therapeutic option for annular pancreas.