Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair in patients with previous lower abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: We have performed laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for inguinal hernia repair for the last 20 years. We use two balloon dilators (sphere and kidney type) to dissect the preperitoneal space for the TEP repair. It may be difficult to obtain exposure in patients who previously underwent lower abdominal surgery, because of adhesions to the abdominal wall. We reviewed our experience with inguinal hernia repairs to retrospectively analyze factors that limit the laparoscopic TEP approach. METHODS: From 2006 to 2016, 313 patients (281 men and 32 women) underwent laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair at Yuki Hospital. The medical records of these patients were reviewed, and data for patients who previously underwent lower abdominal surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients previously underwent lower abdominal surgery including appendectomy (N = 23), inguinal hernia repair [N = 45; including contralateral TEP repair (N = 26), ipsilateral anterior approach (N = 11)], and laparotomy with a lower abdominal midline incision (N = 22). TEP repair was successfully completed in 75 patients (75/84; 89%) and the procedure changed in nine patients to an anterior approach (N = 5), or transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair (N = 4). The reasons for changing the procedure included difficulty to develop the operative field (N = 5), violation of the integrity of the peritoneal envelope (N = 2), and intraoperative bleeding (N = 2). Seven patients had a contralateral inguinal hernia after TEP repair. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with an inguinal hernia and previous lower abdominal surgery underwent successful laparoscopic TEP repair. There is no need to avoid the laparoscopic TEP approach, even in patients with a history of previous lower abdominal surgery. However, patients after TEP repair of a contralateral inguinal hernia may be at increased risk for peritoneal injury and the approach may need to be changed.

Relationship between the degree of endoscopic atrophy of the gastric mucosa and carcinogenic risk.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer has been demonstrated, and the risk of gastric cancer occurrence is known to increase with the progression of atrophic changes associated with chronic gastritis. Endoscopic evaluation of the degree and extent of atrophy of the gastric mucosa is a simple and very important means of identifying a group at high risk for gastric cancer. This study aimed to clarify the carcinogenic risk in relation to the degree of atrophy. METHODS: A total of 27,777 patients (272 with early gastric cancer and 135 with advanced gastric cancer) were included in this study. Endoscopically evaluated atrophy of the gastric mucosa was classified as C-0 to O-3 according to the Kimura and Takemoto classification system. RESULTS: The cancer detection rate in relation to the degree of gastric mucosal atrophy was 0.04% (2/4,183 patients) for C-0, 0% (0/4,506) for C-1, 0.25% (9/3,660) for C-2, 0.71% (21/2,960) for C-3, 1.32% (75/5,684) for O-1, 3.70% (140/3,780) for O-2 and 5.33% (160/3,004) for O-3. As to the proportions of differentiated and undifferentiated cancers, the latter were relatively frequent in the C-0 to C-2 groups, but differentiated cancers became predominant as atrophy progressed. On the other hand, the number of both differentiated and undifferentiated cancers detected increased as gastric mucosal atrophy progressed. In addition, open-type atrophy was found in 29 (96.7%) of 30 patients with synchronous multiple gastric cancers and in all 20 patients with metachronous multiple gastric cancers. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic evaluation of gastric mucosal atrophy can provide a simple and reliable predictive index for both current and future carcinogenic risk.

Successful Repair With Strategic Omentectomy and Meticulous Suturing for Incarcerated Massive Umbilical Hernia in an Adult: A Case Report.

This case report details the successful management of a massive incarcerated umbilical hernia in an obese adult patient. Strategic integration of omentectomy and meticulous suturing, excluding mesh repair due to comorbidities of obesity and poorly controlled diabetes, led to an uneventful postoperative course. The 65-year-old female underwent semi-emergency surgery, involving the repositioning of the incarcerated intestinal tract into the abdominal cavity through a substantial omentectomy. Closure of the hernia orifice was performed utilizing alternating absorbable interrupted sutures and non-absorbable far-near/near-far stitches. A myofascial release incision in the bilateral rectus abdominis muscle's anterior sheath further contributed to the procedural success. A postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed no abdominal wall dehiscence. This case highlights the effectiveness of tailored surgical procedures and provides insights into the management of adult umbilical hernias with complex clinical comorbidities.

Stenosis after use of the double-stapling technique for reconstruction after laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The double-stapling technique (DST) for esophagojejunostomy using the transorally inserted anvil (OrVil; Covidien Japan, Tokyo, Japan) is one of the reconstruction methods used after laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG). This technique has potential advantages in terms of less invasive surgery without the need to create a complicated intraabdominal anastomosis. METHODS: From 2008 to 2011, 262 patients with gastric cancer underwent total gastrectomy and reconstruction with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and 52 patients underwent LATG with DST. A retrospective analysis then was performed comparing the patients who experienced postoperative stenosis after LATG-DST (positive group) and the patients who did not (negative group). A comparative analysis was performed among patients comparing conventional open total gastrectomy and LATG, and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors for the development of anastomotic stenosis. RESULTS: A minor leak was found in 1 patient (1.9 %), and 11 patients experienced anastomotic stenosis (21 %) after LATG with DST. Among the patients with anastomotic stenosis, three (3/4, 75 %) anastomoses were performed with the 21-mm end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapler, and eight anastomoses were performed (8/47, 17 %) with the 25-mm EEA stapler. The median interval to the diagnosis of anastomotic stenosis was 43 days after surgery. The patients with stenosis needed endoscopic balloon dilation an average of four times, and the rate of perforation after dilation was 13 %. The clinical and operative characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Anastomotic stenosis after open total gastrectomy occurred in two cases (0.98 %). Multivariate analysis showed that the size of the EEA stapler and the use of DST were risk factors for anastomotic stenosis. CONCLUSION: Esophagojejunostomy using DST with OrVil is useful in performing a minimally invasive procedure but carries a high risk of anastomotic stenosis.

Acquired hemophilia A caused by factor VIII inhibitors: report of a case.

We report a case of acquired hemophilia A (AHA) after esophageal resection. The patient was an 80-year-old woman whose preoperative activated partial-thromboplastin time (APTT) was well within the normal range, at 34.9 s. She underwent thoracic esophagectomy and gastric pull-up for superficial esophageal cancer (operative time, 315 min; intraoperative blood loss, 245 ml). Intrathoracic and subcutaneous bleeding occurred spontaneously on postoperative day (POD) 39. The APTT was prolonged, at 140 s, and factor VIII inhibitor was 36 Bethesda U/ml. Treatment with recombinant activated factor VII, prednisolone, and cyclophosphamide resulted in remission within 2 months. This case supports an association between surgery and the triggering of factor VIII inhibitors. The diagnosis of AHA requires clinical acumen and must be considered in any patient with bleeding and a prolonged APTT.

Massive Colostomy Prolapse with an Intrastomal Ileal Hernia: A Case Report.

A 79-year-old man underwent sigmoid colostomy about 50 years previously and sought surgical reconstruction of the colostomy. He presented with 30 cm of prolapsed stoma accompanying an intrastomal hernia which contained ileum. The prolapsed stoma which led to the intrastomal hernia was made from the distal sigmoid colon, and the everted colon wall constituted the hernia sac. A computed tomography scan was useful to demonstrate the contents of the intrastomal hernia. Reconstruction with relocation of the colostomy was considered appropriate for the presented patient. The thickened and stretched distal sigmoid colon was resected with the stoma. A new end colostomy using the descending colon was seated in the left upper quadrant. The lateral pararectus muscles which formed the 8-cm hernia orifice were closed using tension-reducing incisions. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Internal hernia after laparoscopic gastric resection with antecolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: To decrease the incidence of internal hernia after laparoscopic gastric bypass, current recommendations include closure of mesenteric defects. Laparoscopic gastric resection is used increasingly for the treatment of gastric cancer, but the incidence of internal hernia in the treated patients has not been studied. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed 173 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for gastric cancer at one institution, including distal and total gastric resections with antecolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction. RESULTS: An internal hernia occurred in 4 (7%) of 58 patients whose jejunojejunal mesenteric defect was not closed a mean of 326 days after surgery. All the patients underwent reoperation with reduction and repair of the hernia. In 115 subsequent cases, with closure of the mesenteric defect, internal hernias did not occur (0/115 cases; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the current recommendations for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, closure of this potential hernia defect is mandatory after laparoscopic gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer.

Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) Groin Hernia Repair in Patients After Contralateral TEP Groin Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: The totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for groin hernia is considered difficult in patients with a healed surgical scar in the lower abdomen. We reported the feasibility of repair in those patients and found that the most frequent previous procedure in patients for whom the procedure was changed intraoperatively was a contralateral TEP after TEP repair. We now report an expanded patient cohort with a suggested unified treatment strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2006 to 2020, 443 patients underwent laparoscopic TEP groin hernia repair. A contralateral TEP after TEP repair was performed in 35 patients. The conversion rate after TEP was compared with that after other operations. Patients were divided into completed contralateral TEP after TEP repair (N=28) and changed procedure groups (N=7). Clinical characteristics were compared including age, body mass index, location and type of hernia, and interval after previous surgery. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors for conversion of the TEP procedure. RESULTS: Patients undergoing contralateral TEP after TEP repair were significantly overrepresented among patients for whom the procedure was changed compared with other previous operations (P<0.01), with an odds ratio of 19.91. Comparing completed TEP after TEP repair and changed procedure groups, there were no significant differences regarding age (mean: 67 vs. 69 y old), body mass index (22.4 vs. 22.5 kg/m2), type of hernia (indirect or direct), or duration after previous TEP repair (median: 642 vs. 470 d) and identified no significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The contralateral TEP after TEP repair for groin hernia is feasible. However, dense adhesions may be present if balloon dissection was performed at the previous TEP repair, and it is necessary to carefully dissect being ready to convert to other procedures such as TAPP repair or an anterior approach.

Alternate-day treatment with S-1 in patients with gastric cancer: a retrospective study of strategies for reducing toxicity.

BACKGROUND: In patients with adverse events of S-1, the dose is generally reduced or the treatment cycle is shortened. Whether the therapeutic effectiveness of modified regimens is similar to that of the standard dosage remains unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with gastric cancer who received S-1 on alternate days. RESULTS: A total of 266 patients received S-1 on alternate days. In 116 patients, S-1 was initially given at the standard dosage but was switched to alternate-day treatment because of toxicity within 28 days on average. The other 150 patients initially received alternate-day treatment because of poor general condition. In the adjuvant chemotherapy group (n = 96), the 3-year survival rate was 88% in patients with stage II, 73% in stage IIIA, and 67% in stage IIIB who underwent D2 lymph-node dissection. In the palliative surgery group (n = 96), the response rate was 13%, with a median survival time (MST) of 624 days. In patients with unresectable/recurrent disease (n = 74), the response rate was 25%, with an MST of 338 days. Among the 116 patients who initially received treatment on consecutive days, 100% had grade 1, 53% had grade 2, and 5.2% had grade 3 adverse events. When S-1 was switched to alternate-day treatment, toxicity decreased in all patients. In the 266 patients who received alternate-day treatment, 8% had grade 1, 6% had grade 2, and 0% had grade 3 adverse events. CONCLUSION: Alternate-day treatment with S-1 may have milder adverse events without compromising therapeutic effectiveness.

An obese patient with acute cholecystitis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis and liver cirrhosis is associated with increased risk. We present an obese patient with acute cholecystitis and liver cirrhosis caused by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), who was successfully managed with laparoscopic cholecystostomy and a low-carbohydrate diet with exercise. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 61-year-old woman presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were consistent with acute cholecystitis with multiple stones and cirrhosis. The patient had no history of alcohol intake, and serologic tests were negative. The patient's body mass index was 39 kg/m2 (154 cm, 93 kg) and NASH was suspected. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage was impossible because of the anatomic position of the gallbladder. Emergency laparoscopic cholecystostomy was performed initially for drainage. A low-carbohydrate diet and exercise were started for weight loss and her weight reduced by 19 kg over three months. Open cholecystectomy was performed uneventfully, and liver biopsy suggested NASH. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic cholecystostomy is a reasonable temporary alternative to cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis and increased surgical risk. Weight loss with diet and exercise can be effective in patients with NASH. A low-carbohydrate diet is a reasonable treatment for NASH, because glucose is converted to triglycerides and stored as lipid in the liver. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystostomy was effective in this obese patient with acute cholecystitis and NASH cirrhosis. Using a low-carbohydrate diet with exercise, her weight decreased, and subsequent open cholecystectomy was uneventful.

Gasless laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) is a minimally invasive procedure for patients with gastric carcinoma. We have previously reported gasless LADG with a Billroth-I reconstruction using a 5-7cm minilaparotomy. We modified the technique for gasless LADG to include a Roux-en Y reconstruction and to expand the indications for its use. METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 patients with early stage gastric tumors (T1 n=38, T2 n=2) underwent this procedure. Following gasless laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection, a jejunum to greater curvature of the gastric remnant anastomosis was performed using an intracorporeal laparoscopic stapled method. The jejuno-jejunal anastomosis was performed using a hand-sewn technique under direct vision through a mini-laparotomy. RESULTS: The mean surgical time (n=40) was 222 min, estimated blood loss 101 ml, and the mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 21. There were no postoperative complications such as bleeding, leak, or cardio-pulmonary dysfunction. Mean body weight loss was 3.9 kg, and there is no evidence of recurrence during a mean followup of 14 months. CONCLUSIONS: Gasless LADG with Roux-en-Y reconstruction is a feasible, novel procedure for a minimally invasive approach to gastric cancer.

An inguinal hernia with cryptorchidism with a Leydig cell tumor in an elderly man: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cryptorchidism is common in children but is rare in the elderly. It often presents with a constellation of signs and symptoms similar to routine inguinal hernias. We present the case of an elderly man with cryptorchidism containing a Leydig cell tumor and provide clinical insights. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An-84-year old man was admitted with an incarcerated right lower quadrant hernia. Both testes were absent on palpation of the scrotum. After reduction of the hernia, computed tomography scan revealed a round lesion in the hernia sac, which was suspected to be the ectopic testis. Laparoscopic exploration was performed in combination with an open anterior approach. The hernia orifice was the right internal inguinal ring, and the inguinal canal was obliterated by adhesions because the spermatic cord did not pass through it. The ectopic testis was resected with the hernia sac, and the hernia repaired with a KUGEL™ patch (Bard, USA). DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic exploration was useful to delineate the anatomy of this unusual inguinal hernia. The open anterior approach was necessary to dissect the ectopic testis and the hernia sac. Pathological findings revealed tumor cells with clear cytoplasm in the resected testis, diagnosed as a Leydig cell tumor. CONCLUSION: The combination of laparoscopic and anterior approaches facilitated the surgical treatment of an unusual inguinal hernia with cryptorchidism. The resected ectopic testis should undergo thorough histopathologic examination.

The management of gastric volvulus in elderly patients.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric volvulus is torsion of the stomach and requires immediate treatment. The optimal treatment strategy for patients with gastric volvulus is not established, because of significant variations in the cause and clinical course of this condition. PRESENTATION OF CASES: We describe our experience with six elderly patients with gastric volvulus caused by different conditions using various approaches. This includes two patients managed with endoscopic reduction, followed by endoscopic or laparoscopic gastropexy. DISCUSSION: Endoscopy is a necessary first step to determine the optimal treatment strategy, and endoscopic reduction is often effective. The indications for surgical repair of gastric volvulus depend on the patient's overall condition, and several options are available. In some elderly patients with severe comorbidities, major surgery may have an unacceptably high risk. We propose a novel treatment strategy for gastric volvulus in the elderly and a review of the literature. CONCLUSION: Early endoscopy is necessary in patients with gastric volvulus. Endoscopic or laparoscopic gastropexy may be adequate therapy in selected elderly patients.

Laparoscopic gastric devascularization without splenectomy is effective for the treatment of gastric varices.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic gastric devascularization of the upper stomach in patients with gastric varices has rarely been reported. Perioperative clinical data were compared with patients who underwent open surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASES: From 2009 to 2012, we performed laparoscopic gastric devascularization without splenectomy for the treatment of gastric varices in eight patients. The patients included four males and four females. Peri-gastric vessels were divided using electrical coagulating devices or other devices according to the diameter of the vessels. Two patients underwent conversion to open surgery due to intraoperative bleeding. DISCUSSION: Intraoperative blood loss in patients who accomplished laparoscopic devascularization was very small (mean 76ml). However, once bleeding occurs, there is a risk of causing massive bleeding. CONCLUSION: With further improvement of laparoscopic devices, laparoscopic gastric devascularization without splenectomy must be an effective and less-invasive surgical procedure in the treatment of gastric varices.

Successful management of a colo-duodenal fistula in a patient with Crohn's disease using a double lumen gastro-jejunostomy tube.

A 41-year-old woman was admitted with upper abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. Abdominal CT scan showed a colo-duodenal fistula with inflammatory thickening of the transverse colon. The patient's general health was poor because of hypoalbuminemia and coagulopathy. Endoscopy showed a fistula at the lower duodenal angle and the stomach was filled with refluxed stool. Ileostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were performed at that time and a double lumen gastro-jejunostomy inserted through the gastrostomy to allow both gastric drainage and distal enteral feeding. Nutrition support was gradually converted from parenteral to enteral feeding. Colonoscopy showed stenosis of the transverse colon with a colo-colonic fistula near the stenosis. Two months later, right hemi-colectomy and closure of the colo-duodenal fistula were performed. The resected specimen showed stenosis and a fistula in the transverse colon due to Crohn's disease. The colo-colonic fistula was present and the colo-duodenal fistula had almost closed due to fibrosis. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after administration of infliximab. Use of a double lumen gastro-jejunostomy tube was effective in improving the patient's general condition. This therapeutic strategy allowed the safe conduct of major resection in a high-risk patient.

Retroperitoneal abscess associated with a perforated duodenal ulcer.

Retroperitoneal abscess after duodenal ulcer perforation is a rare condition. A 71-year-old woman was admitted with 1 month of appetite loss and back pain. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed a retroperitoneal mass behind the third and fourth portions of the duodenum. Single-balloon enteroscopy revealed erosion of the third portion of the duodenum with leakage of contrast agent into the retroperitoneal space. Based on a preoperative diagnosis of retroperitoneal abscess after duodenal perforation, laparotomy was performed. Partial duodenectomy with a duodeno-jejunal anastomosis was performed, and her postoperative course was uneventful. Pathology showed an ulcer with no specific findings.

Sigmoid volvulus after laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon cancer.

We report the first case of sigmoid volvulus after laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon cancer. The patient is a 75-year-old man who presented with the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. He had undergone laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for cancer 2 years before presentation. CT scan showed a distended sigmoid colon with a mesenteric twist, or "whirl sign." Colonoscopy showed a mucosal spiral and luminal stenosis with dilated sigmoid colon distally and ischemic mucosa. The diagnosis of ischemic colonic necrosis due to sigmoid volvulus was established. Resection of the necrotic sigmoid colon was performed and a descending colon stoma was created. A long remnant sigmoid colon and chronic constipation may contribute to the development of sigmoid volvulus after laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Prompt diagnosis is essential for adequate treatment, and colonoscopy aids in the diagnosis of ischemic changes in patients without definitive findings of a gangrenous colon.

Barrett's esophageal carcinoma consisting of undifferentiated carcinoma and differentiated adenocarcinoma: report of case.

We report on a 53-year-old male with esophageal cancer. He had no evidence of distant metastasis, and received a subtotal esophagectomy. Histopathologically, the tumors were contiguous with Barrett's epithelium. Undifferentiated carcinoma components existed independently of differentiated adenocarcinoma components. Undifferentiated carcinoma was present proximal to the esophagogastric junction. Both tumors had invaded the submucosa and were associated with a prominent lymphoid stroma. Metastasis from undifferentiated carcinoma was found in the paraesophageal lymph nodes. Immunohistochemically, both components were negative for 34bE12 and positive for CAM5.2 and showed nearly identical staining patterns for p53, indicating that the tumors were derived from Barrett's epithelium. Because the undifferentiated carcinoma did not express CK20 or carcinoembryonic antigen, the properties of adenocarcinoma had apparently been lost during the process of tumor cell progression. This is the first report of undifferentiated carcinoma associated with Barrett's esophagus with adenocarcinoma.

A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of gastric cancer with squamous cell carcinoma components: a clinically aggressive tumor.

OBJECTIVE: Adenosquamous carcinoma originating in the stomach is an unusual neoplasm with few existing histological studies. This study was aimed to gain insight into the histogenetic and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) components. METHODS: From January 2001 to June 2010 a total of 1735 patients underwent a resection of gastric cancer. Histopathologically, eight patients had adenocarcinoma containing SCC components, in which the proportion of SCC components was above 25% of the total tumor mass in four patients. The immunohistochemical and clinicopathological characteristics of these eight patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The median survival duration was 22 months. Adenocarcinoma was present at the superficial layer of all tumors and SCC was primarily present at sites with deep invasion. Immunohistochemically, adenocarcinoma components were positive for cytokeratin (CK) 8/18/19 and CK7 in all cases. SCC components were positive for carcinoembryonic antigen and CK7 in more than 60% of patients. Expression patterns of p53 product were identical in both components. SCC components were positive for 34ßE12 and adenocarcinoma components were negative for 34ßE12 in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: SCC components are derived from squamous metaplasia in a pre-existing adenocarcinoma. A gastric adenocarcinoma with SCC components is associated with various patterns of metastasis and both SCC and adenocarcinoma components have the potential for metastasis. Gastric cancer with SCC components is a clinically aggressive tumor.

Adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla treated with pancreas-sparing segmental duodenectomy: case report and review of the literature.

Carcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla is extremely rare. We present the case of a 69-year-old man diagnosed with a tumor of the second portion of the duodenum by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a 1.5-cm elevated tumor with slight ulceration at the minor duodenal papilla. Biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma, and a computed tomography scan showed an enhanced tumor in the duodenum, with no abnormality in the pancreatic head. A pancreas-sparing segmental duodenectomy was performed, and the duodenum reconstructed with an end-to-end anastomosis. Microscopically, the tumor was a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, with no infiltration at the cut end of the accessory pancreatic duct. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient discharged on postoperative day 11. We reviewed previously reported cases of carcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla. Early and exact preoperative diagnosis of duodenal neoplasms makes it possible to select a less invasive treatment, which also maintains curability.