Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater diagnosed after surgical treatment for Lemmel’s syndrome

Abstract

Lemmel's syndrome encompasses a range of conditions in which a juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum exerts mechanical and functional effects on the common bile and pancreatic ducts, leading to jaundice and pancreatitis. In this report, we describe a very rare case of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater that was detected during postoperative follow-up in a patient who had undergone choledochojejunostomy following a diagnosis of Lemmel's syndrome. We present our clinical and pathological experiences with the diagnosis and treatment of this case as well as a review of the present literature concerning Lemmel's syndrome.