Presence of duodenal diverticula in cadaveric study

Abstract

The duodenal diverticulum is a common entity, being the second in frequency among digestive tract and mostly asymptomatic. It could be found during endoscopic or surgical procedures, making procedures on the biliary tract more difficult. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of duodenal diverticula in cadaveric material and compare findings with the reviewed literature. An observational descriptive study was carried out. 70 in-situ and ex-situ duodenum-pancreatic blocks were dissected from human adult corpses previously fixed in formaldehyde solution. The presence of duodenal diverticula was studied by establishing its prevalence, number, location in relation to the duodenal parts and edges, and the relationship with the major duodenal papilla (MDP). Regarding the prevalence, 16 (22,8%) duodenal diverticula were found in the analysed cases. These predominated in the descending part of the duodenum (D2). All of them were unique and were located on the mesenteric edge. Regarding their relationship with MDP, there was a predominance of the intradiverticular papilla. The duodenal diverticulum is a frequent entity and the prevalence reported in literature is different within each type of study (cadaveric, ERCP and CT). Our results evidence the highest prevalence if compared to other cadaveric studies analysed. In our study, as well as in the reviewed literature, duodenal diverticula are mostly located in the D2, in relation to MDP