[Villous adenoma of the duodenum]

The authors study the diagnostical problems, especially those involved in the preoperative diagnosis of malignancy, of four cases of duodenal villous adenoma. A more frequent use of endoscopy can allow the observation of this lesion in early stage, such as to ensure recovery through an intervention as scarcely demolishing as possible. However, surgeons plotting the strategy of operation should bear in mind the potential malignancy of duodenal villous adenoma.