Endoscopic Stenting and Sphincterotomy for Pancreas Divisum
Author Information
Author(s): SETH A. COHEN, FREDERICK D. RUTKOVSKY, JEROME H. SIEGEL, FRANKLIN E. KASMIN
Primary Institution: Beth Israel Medical Center, North Division, New York, New York
Hypothesis
Can endoscopic dorsal pancreatic duct stent placement and minor papilla sphincterotomy effectively treat symptomatic pancreas divisum?
Conclusion
Endoscopic stenting and sphincterotomy of the minor papilla may be effective in some patients with pancreas divisum but carries a significant complication rate.
Supporting Evidence
- Symptom scores improved significantly in both the pancreatitis and pain groups after treatment.
- 29% of patients experienced complications related to sphincterotomy.
- 71% of patients in the pancreatitis group initially responded to treatment, but this decreased over time.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special procedure to help patients with a pancreas problem, and it worked for some, but there were also some risks.
Methodology
The study involved endoscopic stenting and sphincterotomy in 20 patients with pancreas divisum, assessing symptom improvement and complications.
Potential Biases
Patients self-reported their symptoms, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study was retrospective and lacked a control group for comparison.
Participant Demographics
20 patients (7 men and 13 women, mean age 43.3 years) with symptomatic pancreas divisum.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.018 for pancreatitis group, p < 0.001 for pain-only group
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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