PANCREAS DIVISUM - OBSERVATION, ENDOSCOPIC DRAINAGE, AND SURGICAL-TREATMENT RESULTS IN 65 PATIENTS

Sixty-five patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum were treated by endostents, surgery, or observation. In 35 patients, endoscopic stenti ng either alone (20) or followed by surgery (15) was the primary thera py. Of 30 patients not stented, 10 underwent elective surgery and 20 w ere followed. Treatment was based on symptoms and biochemical and radi ologic tests. The results of surgical decompression correlated favorab ly with endoscopic drainage. In untreated patients, the natural histor y of pancreas divisum was benign. Surgery is safe and effective in sym ptomatic patients, although multiple operations may be required for re current symptoms or progressive disease.