[Juxta-ampullar duodenal diverticula and bilio-pancreatic pathology. Considerations on 2 clinical cases]

75% of duodenal diverticula occur in the second or descending portion where, in 60% of cases, a juxta-Oddian site is involved. In about 10% of cases, juxta-Oddian forms may be responsible for symptoms due to their own effects or those induced in the biliary and pancreatic area. Two cases in female patients are presented and the subject is examined from all aspects in the light of 85 cases from the literature. Exact preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Radiological examination of the digestive tract and bile ducts, though by no means conclusive, is the only effective instrumental aid. When the symptoms are clear or indicative, surgery is necessary to prevent complications. In the two reported cases, an unevenful course and complete recovery were observed after diverticulectomy combined with papillosphincteroplasty.