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Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater

Last Updated: September 1, 2005
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Synonyms and related keywords: periampullary carcinoma, periampullary malignancy, ampullary carcinoma, ampullary cancer, carcinoma of papilla of Vater, adenocarcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, cystadenomas, adenomas, adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, Courvoisier sign, familial adenomatous polyposis, FAP, duodenal adenomas, endoscopic ultrasonography, EUS, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, ERCP, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, PTC, kocherization, pancreaticoduodenectomy, pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, transduodenal excision

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Author: Pankaj Chaturvedi, MBBS, MS, Assistant Surgeon, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, India

Coauthor(s): Ronald S Chamberlain, MD, Chairman, Chief, Department of Surgery, St Barnabas Medical Center; Uma Chaturvedi, MD, Lecturer, Department of Pathology, KJ Somaiya Hospital and Research Center, India; Nafisa K Kuwajerwala, MD, Staff Physician, Department of General Surgery, North Oakland Medical Center, Wayne State University; Gunateet Goswami, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Cardiology, St Joseph Mercy of Macomb Hospital

Editor(s): Michael Perry, MD, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Nellie B Smith Chair of Oncology, Director, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Missouri at Columbia/Ellis Fischel Cancer Center; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Benjamin Movsas, MD, Vice-Chairman, Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center; Rajalaxmi McKenna, MD, FACP, Consulting Staff, Department of Medicine, Southwest Medical Consultants, SC, Good Samaritan Hospital, Advocate Health Systems; and John S Macdonald, MD, Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College; Chief, Division of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center; Medical Director, Saint Vincent's Comprehensive Cancer Center

Disclosure


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Background: Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater is a malignant tumor arising within 2 cm of the distal end of the common bile duct, where it passes through the wall of the duodenum and ampullary papilla. The common bile duct merges with the pancreatic duct of Wirsung at this point and exits through the ampulla into the duodenum. The most distal portion of the common bile duct is dilated (ie, forms the ampulla of Vater) and is surrounded by the sphincter of Oddi, which spirals upward around the terminal portion of the duct. Because of biliary outflow obstruction, carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater tends to manifest early, as opposed to other pancreatic neoplasms that often are advanced at the time of diagnosis.

Curative surgical resection is the only option for long-term survival. Surgical or radiologic biliary decompression, relief of gastric outlet obstruction, and adequate pain control may improve the quality of life but do not affect overall survival rate.

Pathophysiology: Ninety percent of ampullary tumors are adenocarcinomas. Neuroendocrine tumors, cystadenomas, and adenomas represent additional, but uncommon, histologic types. Tumors originate from ductal epithelial cells and usually invade into the substance of the pancreas. In more advanced disease states, peripancreatic tissue and the adventitia of large neighboring vessels, such as the superior mesenteric and portal veins, may be involved.

Lymph nodes metastases are present in as many as half of patients. Pericanalicular lymph nodes usually are the first to be involved. Nodes along the superior mesenteric, gastroduodenal, common hepatic, and splenic arteries, as well as the celiac trunk, are the second station of lymph nodes. Perineural, vascular, and lymphatic invasion are associated with a poor prognosis. Liver is the most common site (66%) of distant metastasis, followed by lymph nodes (22%). In advanced cases, lung metastasis also may occur.

Frequency:

  • In the US: Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater is an uncommon tumor; fewer than 2000 cases are diagnosed per year. Ampullary cancer accounts for approximately 0.2% of all gastrointestinal tract malignancies and about 7% of all periampullary carcinomas. Adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater is the second most common periampullary malignancy.
  • Internationally: Worldwide incidence is not known.

Mortality/Morbidity:

  • Most of these tumors are resectable for cure at diagnosis; however, the 5-year survival rate is only 40%.
  • Operative mortality rates have decreased significantly over the last decade because of increased surgical experience, improved anesthesia, better preoperative imaging, and better postoperative management.
  • Surgical morbidity rates remain high, with a range of 25-65%, even in centers with experienced staff. Pancreatic fistulas, prolonged gastric emptying, wound complications, intraabdominal sepsis, thrombophlebitis, and marginal ulceration are the most common complications.
  • Postoperative mortality rates in the best centers are 2-5%.

Race:

  • No race predilection is seen.

Sex:

  • No sex predilection is seen.

Age:

  • Ampullary cancer most often is seen in the fifth through the seventh decades of life.


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History:

  • Jaundice
    • Jaundice is the means of presentation in three fourths of cases. Ampullary cancer has no additional classic early symptoms.
    • Jaundice may intermittently wax and wane owing to central necrosis/sloughing or pressure opening of a minimally obstructed duct.
  • Other features
    • Pruritus
    • Loss of appetite
    • Dyspepsia and vomiting: These may be present if the duodenal lumen is compromised.
    • Progressive weight loss
    • Epigastric pain: The abdominal pain usually is dull, aching midepigastric pain or right hypochondriac pain. Backache usually is a sign of advanced stage.
    • Pancreatic cholera: Diarrhea is due to the absence of lipase within the gut caused by pancreatic duct obstruction.
    • Hematemesis, melena, and hematochezia: These are uncommon features caused by tumor bleeding.

Physical:

  • The Courvoisier sign, painless jaundice associated with a palpable gallbladder, may be present. Unlike that due to a neoplasm, obstructive jaundice due to a stone causes scarring of the gallbladder, precluding its distension.
  • Fever can occur in the setting of ascending cholangitis.
  • Hepatomegaly can occur.
  • Rarely, patients present with features of acute pancreatitis or migratory thrombophlebitis.
  • Palpable fixed epigastric masses or supraclavicular nodes are signs of advanced disease and inoperability.

Causes:

  • The etiology of the disease is poorly understood.
  • Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have an increased risk of both benign and malignant ampullary tumors (Burke, 1999).
  • As many as 50-90% of patients with FAP develop duodenal adenomas, predominantly concentrated on or around the major papilla (Griffioen, 1998).
  • Genomic anomalies may be a factor (Scarpa and Zamboni, 1999).
  • K-ras mutations may be a factor (Berndt, 1998).
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Ascariasis
Bile Duct Strictures
Bile Duct Tumors
Biliary Disease
Biliary Obstruction
Cholangiocarcinoma
Choledocholithiasis
Duodenal Ulcers
Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder Tumors
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatitis, Chronic
Papillary Necrosis
Papillary Tumors


Other Problems to be Considered:

Duodenal carcinoma
Adenoma at the ampulla of Vater

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Related Articles
Ascariasis

Bile Duct Strictures

Bile Duct Tumors

Biliary Disease

Biliary Obstruction

Cholangiocarcinoma

Choledocholithiasis

Duodenal Ulcers

Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder Tumors

Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatitis, Chronic

Papillary Necrosis

Papillary Tumors


Patient Education
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Lab Studies:

  • Blood biochemistry
    • Test for anemia caused by bleeding from the ampullary mass.
    • Test for hyperbilirubinemia (conjugated type) due to blockage of the biliary outflow.
    • Test for a rise in alkaline phosphatase level, again due to blockage.
    • Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) rise in long-standing obstruction.
    • Fecal occult blood testing results may be positive in ulcerated or bleeding tumors.
    • In cases with complete obstruction and bleeding, the stool may be pale or silver white, so-called silver stools.
    • A rise in serum amylase is not uncommon.
    • Alteration in coagulation profile (eg, increased prothrombin time, decreased prothrombin time, prolonged bleeding and clotting times) is common.
  • Urine chemistry
    • Urinalysis shows bile pigments.
    • Absence of urinary urobilinogen signifies complete obstruction.
  • Tumor markers: Currently, no tumor marker is sensitive or specific enough to serve as reliable screening tools for this carcinoma.
    • Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 is the most studied and sensitive marker for pancreatic neoplasms at present. Unfortunately, CA 19-9 has almost no value in management of carcinoma of ampulla of Vater.
    • Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), DU-PAN-2, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and pancreatic oncofetal antigen (POA) also have been evaluated and found inaccurate.

Imaging Studies:

  • Abdominal ultrasonography
    • Advantages

      • Abdominal ultrasonography (US) is the most useful noninvasive initial investigation for distinguishing medical from surgical causes of jaundice. It is an inexpensive and readily available bedside procedure.

      • Abdominal US can identify dilated ducts, liver metastasis (in almost 90% of cases), ascites, and nodal metastasis.

      • Doppler US can be used to assess vascular involvement.

      • The level of obstruction can be assessed in 90% patients.

      • US-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) can be performed.
    • Limitations

      • Effectiveness is related to the skill of the user.

      • Very superficial lesions and very deep lesions may be missed. Distinguishing a metastasis from a hemangioma may be difficult.

      • Sensitivity is 80–90%, and information is inferior to that obtained by CT scan or MRI. Poor bowel preparation may obscure the important pathology.
  • Endoscopic and laparoscopic ultrasonography
    • Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is performed through a peroral route.

    • The test is highly sensitive in detecting major vascular involvement, which can prevent unnecessary surgery (Menzel, 1999).

    • EUS may identify tumors less than 1 cm in size.

    • Laparoscopic sonography can detect occult liver metastasis or peritoneal seeding missed by other imaging modalities.

    • Staging laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasonography may be more specific and accurate in predicting tumor resectability than laparoscopy alone (88% and 89% vs 50% and 65%, respectively; John, 1995).
  • CT scanning
    • Advantages

      • This modality is most useful when US is equivocal or when visualization is obscured by gas or ascites.

      • CT scan is superior to US, with an accuracy of more than 90%. CT scan findings correlate well with operative findings.

      • CT scan is better in evaluating operability and preoperative staging. It gives better assessment of invasion or compression of vessels and adjacent organs.

      • CT-guided biopsy may be obtained.
    • Disadvantages

      • Very ill patients may be unable to lie still or arrest respiration for the long periods required for high-quality imaging.

      • CT scan is more expensive than US and requires expertise in interpretation.

      • Potential radiation hazards exist for patients and staff.

      • Rare contrast reactions may occur.

      • Metal, stents, and clips may cause artifacts.

      • Very small tumors (<1 cm) may be missed.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
    • MRI is the most informative noninvasive method of evaluation currently available.

    • MRI cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) provides 94% accuracy in identifying the cause and extent of the pathology.

    • Results are reproducible.

    • With growing expertise in the use of magnetic imaging, diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is quickly becoming obsolete.
  • Radionucleotide scanning
    • The use of the hepatoiminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan has declined in recent years.
    • This scan is better used for assessing liver parenchyma lesions or for possible help in diagnosing Budd-Chiari syndrome.
    • Use requires a qualified doctor and expensive equipment.
  • Chest x-ray is performed to exclude pulmonary metastasis and other pulmonary diseases.

Other Tests:

  • ECG is performed to assess cardiac status, since surgery will be considered as a means of treatment.
  • Nutritional studies should be ordered in preparation for surgery.

Procedures:

  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
    • Disadvantages

      • ERCP is an invasive procedure, which requires an expert endoscopist/radiologist and a cooperative patient.

      • Very small tumors (<1 cm) can be missed.

      • ERCP is not possible if access to the duodenal papilla is difficult, eg, owing to diverticula, anatomical ductal variations, or prior surgical bypass.

      • This procedure can precipitate pancreatitis and cholangitis.

      • Perforation and hemorrhage are 2 of the more serious complications.
  • Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
    • Indications for this procedure, which is highly invasive, are very limited.
    • Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is most useful when ERCP is unavailable or technically not feasible.
    • PTC can be useful in severely jaundiced patients when laparotomy or ERCP is not possible. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage or transhepatic stenting may be the only option for some patients.
    • Biliary leakage may lead to peritonitis. Excessive bleeding from the puncture site and pneumothorax represent significant, but uncommon, complications.
Histologic Findings: In cases of ampullary tumors, preoperative endoscopic biopsy should be attempted, and carcinoma should be confirmed histologically or cytologically, if possible. If the specimen is insufficient or not representative, or if the histologic examination is inconclusive, surgery may be performed if a clinical suspicion exists. Approximately 90% of these tumors are adenocarcinomas. Neuroendocrine tumors, cystadenomas, and adenomas represent additional uncommon histologic types.

Staging: The tumor, node, metastases (TNM) classification and stage grouping is based on the Union Internationale Contre Cancrum (UICC) system, established in 1977, with separate classifications for pancreatic and periampullary carcinomas. The staging is important only to communicate a uniform definition of extent of disease. TNM classification and stage groups are as follows:

  • T - Primary tumor
    • Tx - The primary tumor cannot be assessed

    • T0 - No sign of primary tumor

    • Tis - Carcinoma in situ

    • T1 - Tumor limited to the ampulla or sphincter of Oddi

    • T2 - Tumor invading the wall of the duodenum

    • T3 - Tumor invasion into the pancreas 2 cm or less

    • T4 - More than 2 cm tumor invasion into the pancreas or any other adjacent organ

      Peripancreatic tissue includes the surrounding retroperitoneal fatty tissue (retroperitoneal soft tissue or retroperitoneal space), including the mesentery (mesenteric fat), mesocolon, greater and lesser omentum, and peritoneum. Direct invasion of the bile ducts and the duodenum includes involvement of the ampulla.

      Adjacent large vessels include the portal vein, the celiac trunk, the superior mesenteric artery and the common hepatic artery and vein (not the splenic vessels).

  • N - Regional lymph nodes
    • NX - Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed

    • N0 - No regional lymph node metastases

    • N1 - Regional lymph node metastases

      Subclassification of the category N1 into N1a (only 1 metastatic lymph node) and N1b (2 or more lymph nodes affected by metastases) is recommended, as the 2 categories appear to have marked prognostic differences. Total number of peripancreatic lymph nodes found in the surgical specimen must be mentioned.

  • M - Distant metastases
    • MX - Distant metastases cannot be assessed

    • M0 - No distant metastases

    • M1 - Distant metastases

      Note: The splenic lymph nodes and those at the tail of the pancreas are not regional; metastases in these lymph nodes are classified as distant metastases (M1).

  • Stage grouping of periampullary carcinoma
    • Stage 1 - T1 N0 M0

    • Stage 2 - T2 N0 M0, T3 N0 M0

    • Stage 3 - T1 N1 M0, T2 NI M0, T3 N1 M0

    • Stage 4 - T4 every N and every M, Every T and N with M1
  • Martin proposed a 4-stage system, as follows:
    • Stage I - Vegetating tumor limited to the epithelium, with no involvement of the Oddi sphincter

    • Stage II - Tumor localized in the duodenal submucosa without involvement of the duodenal muscularis propria but possible involvement of the sphincter of Oddi

    • Stage III - Tumor involving the duodenal muscularis propria

    • Stage IV - Tumor involving the periduodenal area or the pancreas, with proximal or distal lymph node involvement
  TREATMENT Section 6 of 11   Click here to go to the previous section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic
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Medical Care: Hepatic metastasis, serosal implants, ascites, lymph node involvement outside the resectional field, and major vessel infiltration all are contraindications to surgical resection. Treatment options for advanced or unresectable stages are discussed below.

  • Willett and colleagues reported their experience with adjuvant radiotherapy (40-50 gray [Gy], with or without concurrent 5-fluorouracil as a radiosensitizer) for high-risk tumors of the ampulla of Vater. Compared to surgery alone, the radiotherapy group demonstrated a trend toward better locoregional control; however, no advantage in survival was seen.
  • Barton and Copeland reported on the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center experience of using postoperative chemotherapy for carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. No combination of drugs prolonged life.
  • Yeung and colleagues used neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in 4 patients with duodenal/ampullary carcinomas. No residual tumor was found in pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens of these 4 patients.
  • Gemcitabine has shown promise in cases of advanced ampullary carcinoma.

  • Fractionated high-dose external beam radiotherapy (60-70 Gy) yields local tumor control in 35-50% of cases. Care should be taken to protect healthy tissue while delivering this radiotherapy (ie, conformal RT or brachytherapy).

  • Pain can be relieved in as many as 65% of patients treated with external beam radiotherapy.
  • Intraoperative radiotherapy of the tumor bed with fast electrons and doses of 20 Gy is a promising alternative for achieving locoregional control. Combining intraoperative irradiation with postoperative percutaneous irradiation (total dose 70 Gy) may further increase the duration of median survival.
  • Two prospective randomized studies performed by the Gastrointestinal Tumor Study Group (GITSG) demonstrated that combining radiotherapy and chemotherapy prolonged median duration of survival compared to that achieved with chemotherapy or irradiation alone.

Surgical Care:

  • Surgical resection in an ampullary carcinoma is the primary modality of treatment. The highest cure rates are achieved if the tumor is localized to the ampullary region.

  • Laparotomy should be performed to assess resectability in all cases for which sonography, CT scan, and laparoscopy do not show disseminated disease.

  • With improvement in postoperative management and surgical technique, operative mortality rates are as low as 3-5% in most centers with experienced staff (Wagle, 2001).

  • Extensive preoperative assessment of cardiac, respiratory, renal, and cerebral functions should be performed in older patients.

  • Overall survival rates are better for ampullary carcinoma than for other periampullary malignancies, because the former disease typically manifests symptoms early.

  • Tok et al reported 25 patients (13 men, 12 women) with a median age of 65 years who had an ampullary tumor. The resectability rate was 88%, with no operative mortality. The 5-year actuarial survival rate of patients who underwent radical resection was 49%. They concluded that local resection is recommended only for small, benign tumors and for patients who may be unfit for radical surgery; otherwise, pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is safe and the most effective procedure.
  • Preoperative details
    • Assessment of nutritional status and supplementation (Fortunately, most of these patients do not have any nutritional problems.)

    • Standard mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation

    • Assessment of coagulation profile and correction of decreased prothrombin time by administration of vitamin K

    • Intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis

    • Preoperative nasobiliary drainage or stenting for preoperative biliary decompression in severely jaundiced patient

    • Fluid and electrolyte correction

    • Assessment of cardiac, renal, and pulmonary status
  • Intraoperative details
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy
    • This is the classic and standard resection procedure for ampullary carcinoma (see Image 3).

    • In this operation, the pancreas is transected to the left of the portal vein, along with the uncinate process (in order to achieve lymph node dissection along the superior mesenteric artery). The lymph nodes along the common hepatic artery within the hepatoduodenal ligament and the precaval lymph nodes are removed. The gallbladder, along with the distal portion of the common bile duct and distal third of the stomach, is resected.

    • Restoration of the gastrointestinal continuity is completed with pancreaticojejunostomy, hepaticojejunostomy, and gastrojejunostomy (see Image 4).
  • Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy

    • This preserves the entire pylorus, along with 1-2 cm of the first part of the duodenum. GI continuity is restored with a duodenojejunostomy.

    • This represents a more physiologically acceptable procedure, with similar survival rates. Postgastrectomy complications, such as dumping and marginal ulceration, are reduced. Delayed gastric emptying may be exacerbated.

    • Postprandial release of gastrin and secretin is nearly normal in patients who undergo this procedure.
  • Transduodenal excision of ampullary tumors

    • Transduodenal excision rarely is indicated and is reserved for elderly patients, patients with significant comorbid conditions, and those with favorable tumors (generally <2 cm, polypoid).

    • This more limited resective technique is associated with compromised local control in many instances.
  • Palliative surgery

    • Palliative surgery is reserved for unresectable tumors or for patients who are unfit for curative surgery.

    • The goal is to alleviate biliary obstruction, duodenal obstruction, or pain.

    • Either cholecystojejunostomy or hepaticojejunostomy bypass is performed.

    • Duodenal obstruction may require gastrojejunostomy. Prophylactic gastrojejunostomy should be done, even in a duodenum unobstructed at the time of laparotomy, because as many as one third of patients develop obstruction later. However, prophylactic gastrojejunostomy adds significant morbidity risk to the procedure.

    • Chemical splanchnicectomy, using either 6% phenol or 50% ethanol, can be performed intraoperatively. This procedure controls pain in 80% of patients.

Consultations:

  • A nutrition specialist for tailoring the diet, when needed
  • Physiotherapist
  • Physician in cases of postoperative fever, chest infection, or other problems

Diet:

  • Oral feeding usually can be started on the second postoperative day.
  • The diet should be started with sips of water, which can be increased gradually over 48 hours to a liquid diet. Patients can have a semisolid diet by roughly the sixth day.
  • Initially, the diet should be deficient in fat and protein.

Activity:

  • The patient should ambulate from the first postoperative day.
  • Early ambulation and chest physiotherapy reduce morbidity.

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Prophylactic and postoperative antibiotics are given according to hospital protocol.

Drug Category: Chemotherapeutic agents -- Fluorouracil can be used as a radiosensitizer for high-risk tumors of the ampulla of Vater.
Drug Name
Fluorouracil (Adrucil) -- Fluorinated pyrimidine antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase and interferes with RNA synthesis and function. Has some effect on DNA. Useful in symptom palliation for patients with progressive disease.
Adult Dose500 mg/m2 IV
Pediatric DoseNot established
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity; bone marrow suppression; serious infection
InteractionsIncreased risk of bleeding with anticoagulants, NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors, thrombolytic agents; other immunosuppressive agents may enhance bone marrow toxicity
Pregnancy D - Unsafe in pregnancy
PrecautionsNausea, oral and GI ulcers, depression of immune system, and hematopoiesis failure (bone marrow suppression) may occur; adjust dose in renal impairment
Drug Category: Antibiotics -- Initial empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover both aerobic and anaerobic gram-negative organisms.
Drug Name
Cefoxitin (Mefoxin) -- Second-generation cephalosporin indicated for gram-positive cocci and gram-negative rod infections. Infections caused by cephalosporin- or penicillin-resistant gram-negative bacteria may respond to cefoxitin.
Any second-generation cephalosporin may be used instead of cefoxitin.
Adult DoseBiliary stent present: 1 g IV preoperatively; continue until culture reported negative; if positive, adjust antibiotics on basis of culture sensitivity report
No biliary stent: 1 g IV preoperatively then 2 doses postoperatively
Pediatric DoseNot established
ContraindicationsDocumented hypersensitivity
InteractionsProbenecid may increase effects aminoglycosides or furosemide may increase nephrotoxicity (closely monitor renal function)
Pregnancy B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks.
PrecautionsAdjust dose in severe renal insufficiency (high doses may cause CNS toxicity); superinfections and promotion of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged use or repeated therapy
  FOLLOW-UP Section 8 of 11   Click here to go to the previous section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic
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Further Inpatient Care:

Further Outpatient Care:

Deterrence/Prevention:

Complications:

Prognosis:

Patient Education:

  MISCELLANEOUS Section 9 of 11   Click here to go to the previous section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic
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Medical/Legal Pitfalls:

  • Failure to counsel FAP patients and their families regarding the possibility of acquiring ampullary carcinoma
  PICTURES Section 10 of 11   Click here to go to the previous section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page Click here to go to the next section in this topic
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Caption: Picture 1. Endoscopic view of an ampullary carcinoma.
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Picture Type: Photo
Caption: Picture 2. Kocherization of the duodenum. For ampullary malignancies greater than 1 cm in size, pancreaticoduodenectomy is the preferred operation. This figure demonstrates the process of kocherization of the duodenum. The second and third portions of the duodenum are mobilized en bloc with the periduodenal nodal tissue. The authors prefer to expose the inferior vena cava (IVC) and remove alveolar tissue, which lies above the IVC en bloc with the specimen.
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Picture Type: Photo
Caption: Picture 3. Periampullary malignancy. Transected pancreas with head. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the preferred treatment for most periampullary tumors. This picture depicts transection of the pancreas at the pancreatic neck. This particular patient presented with a periampullary malignancy accompanied by jaundice and pancreatitis. A preoperative pancreatic stent (usually unnecessary) is seen within the pancreatic duct.
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Caption: Picture 4. Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Roux-en-Y reconstruction following completion of a standard pancreaticoduodenectomy.
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Picture Type: Graph
Caption: Picture 5. Double duct sign of periampullary cancers. Note the dilated common bile duct as well as the pancreatic duct. Liver metastatic lesion is also seen.
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Picture Type: CT
Caption: Picture 6. Distended gall bladder with double duct sign in a patient with periampullary cancer.
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Picture Type: CT
  BIBLIOGRAPHY Section 11 of 11   Click here to go to the previous section in this topic Click here to go to the top of this page
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  • AJCC Cancer Staging Manual: Exocrine pancreas. In: American Joint Committee on Cancer Manual. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott-Raven; 1997:121-6.
  • Barton RM, Copeland EM 3rd: Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1983 Mar; 156(3): 297-301[Medline].
  • Berndt C, Haubold K, Wenger F, et al: K-ras mutations in stools and tissue samples from patients with malignant and nonmalignant pancreatic diseases. Clin Chem 1998 Oct; 44(10): 2103-7[Medline].
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  • Conlon KC: Carcinoma of the ampulla of vater: a distinct disease entity?. Ann Surg Oncol 2003 Dec; 10(10): 1136-7[Medline].
  • el-Ghazzawy AG, Wade TP, Virgo KS, et al: Recent experience with cancer of the ampulla of Vater in a national hospital group. Am Surg 1995 Jul; 61(7): 607-11[Medline].
  • Gastrointestinal Tumor Study Group: Further evidence of effective adjuvant combined radiation and chemotherapy following curative resection of pancreatic cancer. Cancer 1987 Jun 15; 59(12): 2006-10[Medline].
  • Griffioen G, Bus PJ, Vasen HF, et al: Extracolonic manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis: desmoid tumours, and upper gastrointestinal adenomas and carcinomas. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 1998; 225: 85-91[Medline].
  • John TG, Greig JD, Carter DC, Garden OJ: Carcinoma of the pancreatic head and periampullary region. Tumor staging with laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography. Ann Surg 1995 Feb; 221(2): 156-64[Medline].
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Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater excerpt