Challenges in the management of adenocarcinoma of ampulla of Vater in pregnancy: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Highlights Ampullary adenocarcinoma is a rare entity during pregnancy. Diagnosing ampullary adenocarcinoma in pregnancy can be quite challenging, as the symptoms may overlap with the physiological changes of pregnancy. Furthermore, the diagnostic modalities’ invasiveness & the associated radiation exposure that might harm the fetus. The best treatment modality for resectable tumors is in the form of surgery (i.e.; pancreaticoduodenectomy) that is possible during pregnancy. Yet challenging as its important to choose the appropriate time of surgery to insure the viability of the fetus without risking the progression of the disease. Another challenge that might be encountered is intra-operatively, due to the bulkiness of the uterus which makes such a procedure even more difficult to preform safely & successfully.