Background: The optimal management of adenoma of the major duodenal papilla is not established. Options include surgical excision, endoscopic ablative techniques, snare excision, and observation with periodic biopsies. The aims of this retrospective study were to determine the safety and outcome of snare excision of the papilla.
Methods: Twenty-eight snare excisions of the papilla were performed in 26 patients. Sixteen had familial adenomatous polyposis. In 22 procedures, a minisnare was used, and in 6 cases a prototype snare was designed for excision of the papilla. Pancreatic stents were placed as a prophylactic measure at the discretion of the endoscopist (n = 10).
Results: Histopathologically, resected tissue included 25 adenomas, 1 inflammatory polyp, 1 invasive malignancy, and 1 normal papilla. Immediate complications were minor bleeding (n = 2), mild pancreatitis (n = 4) and a duodenal perforation (n = 1). The presence (n = 10) or absence (n = 18) of a pancreatic stent did not correlate with subsequent pancreatitis (2 in each group, p = NS). Follow-up was available for 21 patients (median, 9 months; range, 2-32 months). Pancreatic duct stenosis at the papillectomy site resulted in pancreatitis in 2 patients (17%) at, respectively, 4 months and 24 months. Follow-up endoscopy revealed recurrent/residual adenomatous tissue in 2 (10%).
Conclusions: Snare excision of the major duodenal papilla was well tolerated. Most complications were mild except for a small duodenal perforation. Stenosis of the pancreatic duct orifice with pancreatitis may be a late complication.