Objective: To discuss the clinical features of patients with heterotopic pancreas, their diagnosis and surgical treatment.
Methods: Seven patients with heterotopic pancreas were treated surgically in our hospital from August 1992 to March 1999.
Results: Of the 7 patients, 4 had heterotopic pancreas located in the duodenum, 2 in the jejunum, and 1 in the stomach. Four patients experienced abdominal pain, 3 icterus, 1 duodenal obstruction, and 1 digestive tract bleeding. Three patients were complicated by cholelithiasis, and 1 patient was complicated by diverticulum of the jejunum. All seven patients were misdiagnosed or undefined preoperatively. They underwent surgery and were confirmed pathologically.
Conclusions: Heterotopic pancreas is extremely difficult to diagnose before operation since no specific clinical signs are seen in such patients. Once diagnosed with symptoms or not, the patients should undergo surgery for correct diagnosis and avoidance of relative complications.