Approaches to endoscopic ampullectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ampullary tumors, usually adenomas, are often encountered during endoscopic evaluation, especially in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Because of the risk of progression to adenocarcinoma, ampullary adenomas should be treated. Endoscopic therapy is an appropriate option and recent experience highlights the effectiveness and safety of this approach. RECENT
FINDINGS: Several authors have published experiences with endoscopic ampullectomy. In the current era, endoscopic ampullectomy is performed like a snare polypectomy using a side-viewing duodenoscope. Tumors are removed either en bloc or in a piecemeal fashion with retrieval of all tissue. Because of the potential for incidental carcinoma when all tissue is removed, complete retrieval is essential. Although initially used as primary therapy, thermal ablation, such as ionized argon coagulation (IAC), is now commonly used as adjunctive therapy. Prophylactic pancreatic or biliary stent placement is also performed to minimize risks of pancreatitis, jaundice, cholangitis, and stenosis. Endoscopic therapy is effective in removing more than 80% of adenomas, though several sessions may be necessary. Complications are reported in 20% of patients from most series and include acute pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, orifice stenosis, and, rarely death. Recurrence of the adenoma can occur, especially in FAP patients, and warrants periodic surveillance.
SUMMARY: Endoscopic ampullectomy appears to be an effective method for treating ampullary tumors. However, complications are significant and only well-trained and experienced endoscopists should perform ampullectomy. Future research should focus on multicenter, randomized clinical trials to determine the best therapeutic approach for patients with ampullary tumors and to determine methods to decrease complication rates associated with endoscopic therapy.