Local resection of tumors of the ampulla of Vater

Local resection of an ampullary tumor with reimplantation of the pancreatic and bile ducts was first described by William S. Halsted in 1899. Technical hazard and unsuitability in malignant ampullary tumors have unfortunately led to a disregard for this operation that is unwarranted. Radical pancreaticoduodenectomy is now the most common method of resecting benign and malignant ampullary tumors. Experience was gained with two high-risk patients with benign adenomatous polyps obstructing the ampulla of Vater. Their medical unsuitability for radical pancreaticoduodenectomy led us to revive the procedure of wide local excision of these tumors with reimplantation of the pancreatic and bile ducts. Operative time and blood loss were substantially less than radical resection and postoperative recoveries were relatively uncomplicated. Radical resection of benign ampullary tumors may be appropriate for good-risk patients in whom the risk of local recurrence outweighs the operative risk. We suggest that local resection of benign ampullary tumors is the procedure of choice in high-risk patients and that it be considered in palliation of limited local malignancies of the ampulla in high-risk patients.