Untractable diarrhea due to late onset celiac disease of the adult following pancreatoduodenectomy.

This case describes a rare cause of severe diarrhea that may occasionally plague the postoperative course of pancreatic resections. Although exceedingly rare this complication has already been described in another two patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy with diagnosis of duodenojejunal adenocarcinoma. Surgeons dedicated to pancreatic resections as well as pancreatologists caring for these patients should retain this possibility in their cultural background. Diarrhea, due to either exocrine insufficiency or interruption of sympathetic nerves to the small intestine, is a common complaint after pancreatoduodenectomy. A 54-year-old white female after a pancreatoduodenectomy with standard lymphatic clearance developed intractable diarrhea leading to severe cachexia. Recognition of the underlying occult celiac disease and institution of the appropriate dietary regimen allowed quick and expeditious recovery.