Diverticoli duodenali iuxtapapillari: nostra esperienza e revisione della letteratura [Juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula. Personal experience and survey of the literature]

Duodenal diverticula occur in 1-23 % of patients undergoing radiologic and endoscopic studies of the upper intestinal tract. Usually of little clinical significance, they can cause obstruction, cholelithiasis, ascending cholangitis, ulcers, hemorrhage and acute pancreatitis. According to the literature, less 10 % of duodenal diverticula will cause symptoms, and about 1 % will require definite treatment. There is no indication for treatment of asymptomatic patients with duodenal diverticula. A conservative treatment is justified if the symptomatic patients is in stable condition. If symptoms persist or serious complications or other pathology of the abdomen are present, definitive treatment is necessary. Personal experience on three surgical cases is presented.