Pancreas Divisum

Pancreatic Divisum is a congenital anomaly occurring in 4-14% of the population. In normal embryological development, the ventral bud of the pancreas rotates around the foregut allowing the dorsal and ventral pancreas to fuse. Pancreas divisum in individuals with no symptoms does not require treatment. Treatment of those with symptoms varies and has not been well established. A surgeon may attempt a Puestow procedure or sphincterotomy by cutting the minor papilla to enlarge the opening and allow pancreatic enzymes to flow normally. Most individuals born with pancreas divisum experience no symptoms throughout life, will remain undiagnosed, and will not require treatment. A small number of patients with pancreas divisum will experience repeated episodes of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause abdominal pain as well as more severe complications. Some patients with pancreas divisum may develop chronic abdominal pain without pancreatitis.