[Benign epithelial neoplasms of Vater's ampulla. Usefulness of the "epithelial dysplasia" concept in prognosis and surgical strategy].

The surgical behaviour in front of the benign epithelial tumors (adenomas) of Vater's ampulla is object of discrepancies due to the possible malignant evolution of such neoplasms. The authors stress the basic importance of a careful examination of histological bioptic material before and/or during operation, which, through the identification of the degree of epithelial dysplasia, may lead to the choice of the tecnique to be adopted. In 2 of the 3 cases reported by the authors, showing a low degree dysplasia of the papillary tumor, a submucous papillectomy was performed; in the third case, where histology showed severe dysplasia and some other elements of risk were present (patient's age and macroscopic features of the tumors), the surgeons performed a duodenopancreatectomy. Semiseriated histological sections of the surgical specimen revealed the presence of carcinomatous areas. The authors think simple papillectomy to be the surgical procedure to follow when low grade dysplasia of ampulla is documented, and duodenopancreatectomy to be performed in high risk conditions as high grade dysplasia and macroscopic features suggestive of malignancy. In addition, the authors deal with epidemiology, clinics and instrumental diagnostics of such benign neoplasms of ampulla, on the basis of their own experience and the review of the few cases reported in literature.