Transduodenal Sphincteroplasty: A Visual Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is a challenging and rare clinical entity resulting in pancreatobiliary pain and stasis of bile and pancreatic juice. This problem was classically treated with surgical therapy, but as classification of the disease has changed and newer methods of endoscopic evaluation and therapy have evolved, operative transduodenal sphincteroplasty is now generally reserved as a final therapeutic option for these patients. In this video and manuscript, we describe our approach to operative transduodenal sphincteroplasty in a patient with type I Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. METHODS: A 50-year-old female with history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass presented with episodic right-upper-quadrant and epigastric abdominal pain with associated documented elevations in liver chemistries. Preoperative cross-sectional imaging demonstrated dilation of her common bile duct. After multidisciplinary discussion, the decision was made to pursue operative transduodenal sphincteroplasty. RESULTS: All key operative steps of the transduodenal sphincteroplasty are demonstrated in the embedded video. Key operative steps include laparotomy, generous Kocher maneuver, and duodenotomy over the ampulla, allowing access for sequential biliary and pancreatic sphincterotomies and sphincteroplasties with absorbable suture. The duodenotomy and abdominal fascia are then closed. Our patient underwent sequential diet advancement and was discharged to home on postoperative day five. At clinic follow-up, pancreatobiliary-type pain had resolved. CONCLUSION: The embedded video demonstrates a case of operative transduodenal sphincteroplasty, which can provide durable results in appropriate patient populations.

Recurrent ascending cholangitis with acute pancreatitis and pancreatic atrophy caused by a juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Intermittent combined pancreaticobiliary obstruction may lead to multiple episodes of ascending cholangitis and pancreatitis, usually due to choledocholithiasis or periampullary mass. However, one of the rare causes is periampullary or juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum. Although duodenal diverticula are relatively common in the general population, the overwhelming majority are asymptomatic. Duodenal diverticula can cause combined pancreaticobiliary obstruction through multiple mechanisms such as stasis-induced primary choledocholithiasis, stasis-induced intradiverticular enterolith, or longstanding diverticulitis, causing stenosing fibrosing papillitis or a combination of more than one of these mechanisms. Herein, I report a case of Lemmel syndrome due to a combination of multiple mechanisms and review the available literature on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum. PATIENT CONCERNS: Multiple episodes of abdominal pain, jaundice, anorexia, fever, and significant unintentional weight loss. DIAGNOSES AND INTERVENTIONS: Primary choledocholithiasis, recurrent ascending cholangitis, recurrent acute pancreatitis, and pancreatic atrophy due to giant juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum, with unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography that was completely resolved after open transduodenal sphincteroplasty and septoplasty, transampullary and transcystic common bile duct exploration and stone extraction, and duodenal diverticular inversion. OUTCOME: Complete resolution of combined pancreaticobiliary obstruction without recurrence for 2 years after surgery. LESSONS: Surgeons should be aware of such rare syndromes to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed or inappropriate management. Furthermore, they should understand the different available operative options for cases that are refractory to endoscopic approach.

Assessment of fistulectomy combined with sphincteroplasty in the treatment of complicated anal fistula / Avaliação de fistulectomia combinada com esfincteroplastia no tratamento de fístula anal complicada

Abstract Introduction The ideal method of treating the complex anal fistula is to eradicate the sepsis and preserve the anal sphincter; since there is no definite consensus on the surgical method of treating it. Recent studies show that fistulectomy and immediate sphincteroplasy are a safe and appropriate way to treat the fistula-in-ano. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term outcomes of fistulectmy and sphincteroplasty in the treatment of complex perianal fistula. Methods In this prospective study, we have analyzed the data of 80 patients who underwent fistulectomy and sphincteroplasty from May 2013 to May 2016. Preoperative information included physical examination, preoperative fecal incontinence evaluation and taking a complete history about underlying diseases and past related surgeries were collected. Results Of all 80 patients with complex fistula, 57.5% (46 patients) were male. 70-Patients were presented with high transsphincteric fistula (87.5%) and anterior fistula was diagnosed in 10 of them (12.5%). 9 patients (11.3%) suffered from hypertension and 43 patients (53.75%) had recurrent fistula after previous surgeries. During the follow-up period, the overall success rate was 98.8% (98.8%) and fistulectomy and sphincteroplasty failed in only one patient (failure rate: 1.3%). preoperative and post-operative scoring showed mild fecal incontinence in 8 patients (10%). We have found no significant relation between the age, gender, hypertension, previous surgery and post-operative recurrence. Conclusion Fistulectomy and sphincteroplasty is a safe surgical procedure in the treatment of anterior anal fistula in females and high transsphincteric fistulas.

Resumo Introdução o método ideal para tratar a fístula anal complexa consiste em erradicar a sepse e preservar o esfíncter anal, uma vez que não existe consenso definitivo com relação ao método cirúrgico para tratamento desse problema. Estudos recentes demonstram que a fistulectomia, seguida imediatamente pela esfincteroplastia, é procedimento seguro e apropriado no tratamento da fístula perianal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os resultados em longo prazo da fistulectomia e da esfincteroplastia no tratamento da fístula perianal complexa. Métodos Neste estudo prospectivo analisamos os dados de 80 pacientes tratados por fistulectomia e esfíncteroplastia no período de maio de 2013 até maio de 2016. Foram coletadas as seguintes informações pré-operatórias: exame físico, avaliação pré-operatória de incontinência fecal e história completa sobre doenças subjacentes e cirurgias prévias afins. Resultados De todos os 80 pacientes com fístula complexa, 57,5% (46 pacientes) pertenciam ao gênero masculino. Setenta pacientes se apresentaram com fístula trans-esfinctérica alta (87,5%); em 10 desses pacientes (12,5%), foi diagnosticada fístula anterior. Nove pacientes (11,3%) sofriam de hipertensão (HT), tendo sido observada recorrência de fístula após cirurgias prévias em 43 pacientes (53,75%). Durante o período de seguimento, o percentual de sucesso global foi de 98,8%, e em apenas um paciente os procedimentos de fistulectomia e esfincteroplastia não obtiveram sucesso (percentual de falha: 1,3%). Os escores pré-operatórios e pós-operatórios revelaram incontinência fecal leve em 8 pacientes (10%). Não observamos nenhuma relação significativa entre idade, gênero, HT, cirurgia prévia e recorrência pós-operatória. Conclusão Fistulectomia e esfincteroplastia constituem procedimento cirúrgico seguro no tratamento de fístulas anais anteriores em mulheres e de fístulas trans-esfinctéricas altas.

Deoti surgical flap and sphincteroplasty for treatment of severe perineal deformity / Retalho cirúrgico de Deoti mais esfincteroplastia para tratamento de deformidade perineal grave

ABSTRACT Purpose: Anal incontinence is a very stigmatizing condition, which affects biopsychosocially the patient. It is a neglected, but quite common complication of obstetric and anorectal surgery, however it has treatment options. None of the treatment options have exceptional efficacy rates and still associated with risk of recurrence. The surgery techniques known are: anterior and posterior shortening procedure; post-anal repair; anterior elevator plasty and external sphincter plication; total pelvic floor repair and sphincter repair. None of them use a flap rotation of adipose tissue. The purpose is to propose a new surgery technique of anal sphincteroplasty, which uses flap rotation, for severe perineal deformity associated with anal incontinence. Methods: Patient with severe perineal deformity and anal incontinence treated with a new surgery technique of sphincteroplasty with flap rotation. Results: The severe perineal deformity was corrected with both esthetic and functional results. Anal continence measured by Wexner and Jorge assessment in a follow-up period of 2 years after the intervention. Pictures and video show esthetic and functional aspects. Conclusion: This is the first time that a flap rotation is used to treat a severe perineal deformity. And the technique presented promising outcomes, which allows perineum reconstruction that is similar to the original anatomy. Therefore, this technique is justified to better evaluate its efficiency and the impact on patients' prognosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: A incontinência anal é uma condição muito estigmatizante, que afeta biopsicossocialmente o paciente. É uma complicação negligenciada, mas bastante comum da cirurgia obstétrica e anorretal, no entanto, tem opções de tratamento. Nenhuma das opções de tratamento tem taxas de eficácia excepcionais e ainda está associada ao risco de recorrência. As técnicas cirúrgicas conhecidas são: procedimento de encurtamento anterior e posterior; reparação pós-anal; plástica do elevador anterior e plicatura externa do esfíncter; reparo total do assoalho pélvico e reparo do esfíncter. Nenhum deles utiliza uma rotação de retalho de tecido adiposo. O objetivo é propor uma nova técnica cirúrgica de esfincteroplastia anal, que utiliza a rotação de retalho, para deformidade perineal grave associada à incontinência anal. Métodos: Paciente com deformidade perineal grave e incontinência anal tratada com nova técnica cirúrgica de esfincteroplastia com rotação de retalho. Resultados: A deformidade perineal grave foi corrigida com resultados estéticos e funcionais. Continência anal medida pela avaliação de Wexner & Jorge em um período de seguimento de 2 anos após a intervenção. Imagens e vídeo mostram aspectos estéticos e funcionais. Conclusão: Esta é a primeira vez que uma rotação de retalho é usada para tratar uma deformidade perineal grave. E a técnica apresentou resultados promissores, o que permite a reconstrução do períneo semelhante à anatomia original. Portanto, esta técnica é justificada para melhor avaliar sua eficiência e o impacto no prognóstico dos pacientes.

A new method for treating fecal incontinence by implanting stem cells derived from human adipose tissue: preliminary findings of a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Anal sphincter defects are a major cause of fecal incontinence causing negative effects on daily life, social interactions, and mental health. Because human adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (hADSCs) are easier and safer to access, secrete high levels of growth factor, and have the potential to differentiate into muscle cells, we investigated the ability of hADSCs to improve anal sphincter incontinence. METHODS: The present randomized double-blind clinical trial was performed on patients with sphincter defects. They were categorized into a cell group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 9). Either 6 × 106 hADSCs per 3 ml suspended in phosphate buffer saline (treatment) or 3 ml phosphate buffer saline (placebo) was injected. Two months after surgery, the Wexner score, endorectal sonography, and electromyography (EMG) results were recorded. RESULTS: Comparing Wexner scores in the cell group and the control group showed no significant difference. In our EMG and endorectal sonography analysis using ImageJ/Fiji 1.46 software, the ratio of the area occupied by the muscle to total area of the lesion showed a 7.91% increase in the cell group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study show that injection of hADSCs during repair surgery for fecal incontinence may cause replacement of fibrous tissue, which acts as a mechanical support to muscle tissue with contractile function. This is a key point in treatment of fecal incontinence especially in the long term and may be a major step forward. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2016022826316N2 . Retrospectively registered 7 May 2016.

Common bile duct perforation sealed with a metal fully-covered stent

No disponible

[RENTGENOENDOSCOPIC INTERVENTIONS FOR BILIARY OBSTRUCTION OF NON-TUMOR GENESIS].

We analyzed the immediate and long-term results of endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in patients on the non-tumor obstruction of the bile ducts. Application of the developed diagnostic algorithm using ultrasound, fistulocholangiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, diagnostic endoscopic papillosphincterotomy, instrumental revision of bile ducts, transduodenal holedohoscopy provided sensitive diagnostic reasons of non-tumor biliary obstruction to (94.2 +/- 1.7)%. Optimization of treatment strategy developed with the introduction of the clinic endobiliary endoscopic intervention has achieved positive results in 83.7% of patients, reducing the morbidity of 1.7%, mortality--0.9%.

Santorinicele: secretin-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings before and after minor papilla sphincterotomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate secretin-enhanced MRCP (S-MRCP) findings of patients with pancreas divisum and Santorinicele, before and after minor papilla sphincterotomy. METHODS: S-MRCP examinations of 519 patients with suspected pancreatic disease were included. Size of the main pancreatic duct, presence and calibre of Santorinicele were evaluated. Duodenal filling was assessed on dynamic images. After sphincterotomy the same parameters and the clinical findings were re-evaluated. RESULTS: Pancreas divisum was depicted in 55/519 patients (11 %) by MRCP and an additional 26/519 by S-MRCP (total 81/519, 16 %). Santorinicele was detected in 7/81 patients (8.6 %) with pancreas divisum by MRCP and an additional 20/81 by S-MRCP (total 27/81, 33 %). Dorsal duct in patients with Santorinicele was significantly larger in the head compared with patients with only pancreas divisum (p < 0.01), in basal conditions (average 2.4 versus 1.9 mm) and after secretin administration (average 3.0 versus 2.4 mm). Duodenal filling was impaired in 11/27 patients (41 %) with Santorinicele. After sphincterotomy significant reduction in size of Santorinicele (-33 %) and dorsal duct (-17 %), increase of pancreatic juice and symptoms improvement were observed. CONCLUSION: Secretin administration increases the accuracy of MRCP in detecting Santorinicele and demonstrates the impaired duodenal filling. S-MRCP is useful to assess results of sphincterotomy. KEY POINTS: • Secretin-enhanced MRCP gives anatomical and functional information on pancreatic outflow dynamics. • Santorinicele is a cystic dilatation of the termination of the Santorini duct. • S-MRCP images are the most useful to recognize the presence of Santorinicele. • Minor papilla sphincterotomy during ERCP is indicated in patients with Santorinicele.

Gangliocytic paraganglioma, a rare ampullary tumour treated with open transduodenal resection and sphincteroplasty.

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours residing in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly the periampullary region. Most are benign tumours with a low malignancy rate. We report a 50-year-old man who presented with acute onset of left-upper quadrant abdominal pain with radiation to the back. An intraluminal mass at the junction of the duodenum with normal pancreatic/hepatic parenchyma was discovered on abdominal CT. Following upper endoscopy and MRI revealing a periampullary lesion, fine-needle aspiration and biopsies were. Immunohistochemistry was positive for synaptophysin and S100HU, consistent with gangliocytic paraganglioma. The benign nature of this tumour and unique anatomy of a separate opening of the pancreatic and common bile ducts led to transduodenal excision with sphincteroplasty, thereby avoiding extensive surgery. Surveillance CT every 6 months and upper endoscopy initially every 6 months (now yearly) revealed no evidence of endoscopic or histological recurrence at 3 years follow-up.

[Stenosing papillitis--a problem of miniinvasive surgery].

The results of conduction of endoscopic transpapillary interventions in 976 patients, suffering stenosing papillitis in 2000 - 2014 yrs, were summarized. In 48 (4.9%) patients complications have had occurr, all the patients are alive.

Combined precut in difficult biliary cannulation / Precorte combinado en la canulación biliar difícil

Aim: precut sphincterotomy refers to a variety of endoscopic techniques that are used in order to access the bile duct when conventional methods of cannulation have failed. There are not significant data (such as efficacy, safety) about the use of different techniques of precutting at the same session. We have described our experience with combined precut sphincterotomy (CPS) and we have compared our results to the use of an isolated precut. Patients and methods: we have performed 247 precuts of a total of 2.390 ERCPs. Patients were distributed according to the type of precut practiced: Needle-knife, transpancreatic and combined precut sphincterotomies. “Combined precut” consisted in performing first a transpancreatic sphincterotomy and, if the access was not achieved, then performing a needle-knife sphincterotomy in the same session. The data about safety and efficacy were prospectively collected. The complications were defined according to the consensus criteria. Results: we performed precutting techniques in 247 patients. Needle-knife, transpancreatic, and combined precuts were performed in 125 (6.9%), 74 (4.1%) and 48 (2.6%) patients, respectively. Bile duct cannulation was successful in 48 patients (100%) in the group of combined precut, 121 patients (96.8%) in the transpancreatic group, and 67 patients (90.5%) in the needleknife group (p = 0.03). There were not differences in complications rates between the three groups. There was no pancreatitis in the combined precut group. The complications were successfully managed with conservative treatment. Conclusions: combined precut sphincterotomy seems to be a safe and successful technique in those cases of difficult bile duct cannulation (AU)

Comparison of three types of precut technique to achieve common bile duct cannulation: a retrospective analysis of 274 cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the success rate and complications of three precut techniques of sphincterotomy after failure of conventional techniques of cannulation of common bile duct (CBD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2003 and October 2011, 2,903 consecutive ERCPs were performed in patients with naïve major papilla. In 283 patients in whom biliary cannulation was not achieved, precut technique was performed and these patients were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 274 patients were included in the final analysis. Needle-knife papillotomy (NKP) was performed in 129 cases (47.1 %), suprapapillary fistulotomy (SPF) in 78 patients (28.5 %), and transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) in 67 cases (24.5 %). No significant difference was observed in the initial and eventual success rate of biliary cannulation between the three groups. Overall, complications occurred in 54 patients (19.7 %), of which 33 (25.6 %) were with NKP, 6 (7.7 %) with SPF and 15 (22.4 %) with TPS, respectively, a difference statistically significant favoring the SPF group (p = 0.006). Post-procedure acute pancreatitis was developed in 27 cases (20.9 %) with NKP, compared to two cases (2.6 %) with SPF and 15 cases (22.4 %) with TPS, a difference statistically significant favoring the SPF group. No difference was observed between the groups with regard to the occurrence of post-procedure hemorrhage and perforation. CONCLUSIONS: The three types of precut sphincterotomy have no different overall CBD cannulation rates; SPF reduces post-ERCP pancreatitis risk.

Un caso excepcional de coledococele y páncreas divisum de presentación en el anciano / An exceptional case of choledochocele and pancreas divisum in an elderly man

El coledococele pertenece al tipo III de los quistes biliares según la clasificación de Todani, y son considerados los quistes menos frecuentes entre ellos. La definición habitual del coledococele es la de una dilatación quística de la porción distal intramural del colédoco que protruye en la luz duodenal. La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es una de las pruebas de elección tanto para su diagnóstico como para su tratamiento. Presentamos un paciente de 77 años con dolor epigástrico crónico, náuseas/vómitos y episodios de colangitis a causa de un coledococele. La colangiografía por resonancia magnética no fue diagnóstica. La CPRE ha sido la herramienta diagnóstica y terapéutica esencial, ya que las pruebas de imagen (ecografía, tomografía computarizada y resonancia magnética) no filiaron correctamente el cuadro, y además proporcionó el tratamiento mediante esfinterotomía biliar (AU)

Choledochocele belongs to type III biliary cysts in Todani‘s classification and are considered the least frequent cysts in this class. The usual definition of choledochocele is that of a cystic expansion of the distal intramural portion of the bile duct that protrudes into the duodenal lumen. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the tests of choice both for diagnosis and treatment. We report the case of a 77-year-old patient with chronic epigastric pain, nausea/vomiting and episodes of cholangitis due to a choledochocele. Magnetic resonance cholangiography and other radiological procedures (ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance) were not diagnostic. ERCP was essential to diagnosis and treatment since this procedure provided the treatment by means of biliary sphincterotomy (AU)

Open sphincteroplasty for benign ampullary stricture after pancreas transplantation.

Ampullary and proximal pancreatic duct strictures are well known to result in recurrent episodes of pancreatitis in the native pancreas, which when benign in origin can often be treated with sphincteroplasty (open or endoscopic) and stenting in the native pancreas. However, recurrent episodes of pancreatitis in a transplanted pancreas allograft can have multiple potential etiologies, and if the diagnosis of pancreatic duct stricture is made, treatment with preservation of the pancreatic allograft can be challenging. This is the first case report to describe the open sphincteroplasty of a short benign ampullary stricture in a transplant pancreas allograft.

Surgical pancreatic sphincteroplasty. Historic or history ? A review.

BACKGROUND: Minimal invasive techniques represent a constantly expanding field of medicine and numerous well-established operative procedures have gradually been replaced. Likewise, surgical pancreatic sphincteroplasty, which has been the cornerstone in the management of pancreatic flow disorders for decades, has been largely replaced by endoscopy. Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy however, is still not widespread and carries a significant risk of complications. In this study we attempt to review the role of the surgical approach in the modern era. METHODS: Pubmed database was searched for reports concerning surgical pancreatic sphincteroplasty alone or in comparison with endoscopy, without other limitations. RESULTS: Initially, 44 studies were obtained. Finally, 22 full papers were selected, pertaining review articles, case series or clinical studies. Only four of them were recent (after 2002) series of surgical sphincteroplasty, pertaining 561 patients. No randomized-controlled trials or meta-analyses were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic sphincterotomy, either surgical or endoscopic offers good to excellent long-term results in several disorders, like Sphincter Oddi dysfunction, especially when underlying parenchymal disease is limited. Surgical sphincteroplasty is nowadays indicated in most cases of endoscopic failure and in cases that the papilla cannot be approached. Bariatric patients with gastric by-pass and sphincter Oddi dysfunction in particular, have reported to show excellent outcome after surgery. Regardless the method, patient selection is still a very important determinant of success.

Biliary sphincterotomy dilation for the extraction of difficult common bile duct stones

Background and aim: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) with biliary sphincterotomy (BS) is the usualmethod for extracting common bile duct stones. However, followingBS and by means of extraction balloons and Dormia baskets acomplete bile duct clearance cannot be achieved in all cases. Wepresent a study on the impact that hydrostatic balloon dilation of aprevious BS (BSD) may have in the extraction rate of choledocholithiasis.Patients and methods: a prospective study which included 91consecutive patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis who underwentERCP. For stone removal, extraction balloons and Dormia basketswere used, and when necessary BSD was employed.Results: complete bile duct clearance was achieved in 86/91(94.5%) patients. BSD was used in 30 (33%) cases. In these cases,extraction was complete in 29/30 (97%); 23 (76%) patients in theBSD group had anatomic difficulties or bleeding disorders. Themost frequently used hydrostatic balloon diameter was 15 mm(60%). There were 7 (7.6%) complications: two self-limited hemorrhageepisodes in the BSD group and one episode of cholangitis,one of pancreatitis, and three of bleeding in the group inwhich BSD was not used.Conclusions: BSD is a very valuable tool for extracting commonbile duct stones. In our experience, there has been an increasein the extraction rate from 73% (Rev Esp Enferm Dig2002; 94: 340-50) to 94.5% (p = 0.0001, OR 0.1, CI 0.05-0.45), with no increase in complications(AU)

Pancreatitis autoinmune. A propósito de un caso / Autoimmune pancreatitis. Related to a case

La pancreatitis autoinmune es una reciente entidad a tener en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial de pancreatits crónica-masa pancreática. La presencia de estenosis difusa e irregular del Wirsung, junto con niveles elevados de IgG4, presencia de determinados autoanticuerpos e infiltración linfoplasmocitaria de páncreas son la clave del diagnóstico. La sospecha diagnóstica precoz y la colaboración multidisciplinar es vital en estos casos, ya que puede evitar cirugía innecesaria, puesto que el diagnóstico diferencial se establece con entidades entre las que se encuentra cáncer de páncreas, pancreatitis crónica, cirrosis biliar primaria o colangitis esclerosante primaria. Además, la pancreatitis autoinmune tiene excelente respuesta a tratamiento esteroideo, con resolución completa de parámetros clínicos, analíticos y radiológicos, como ocurría en nuestro paciente. Debido al escaso número de casos descritos en la Literatura, sería necesario la elaboración de estudios con seguimiento largo plazo para conocer pronóstico y frecuencia de asociación a otras patologías

Autoimmune pancreatitis is an entity that has recently been included in the differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis-pancreatic mass. The presence of diffuse, irregular Wirsung’s duct stenosis, together with high levels of IgG4, the existence of certain autoantibodies and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the pancreas are key factors in the diagnosis. An early diagnostic suspicion and multidisciplinary collaboration are vital in these cases to avoid unnecessary surgery as the differential diagnosis is established with such entities as pancreas cancer, chronic pancreatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis has an excellent response to steroid therapy, with complete resolution of clinical, analytical and radiological parameters, as occurred in our patient. The very few cases reported sofar suggest the need for the elaboration of long-term follow-up studies to determine the prognosis and frequency of its association with other diseases