Pancreas divisum: observation, endoscopic drainage, and surgical treatment results in 65 patients.

Sixty-five patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum were treated by endostents, surgery, or observation. In 35 patients, endoscopic stenting either alone (20) or followed by surgery (15) was the primary therapy. Of 30 patients not stented, 10 underwent elective surgery and 20 were followed. Treatment was based on symptoms and biochemical and radiologic tests. The results of surgical decompression correlated favorably with endoscopic drainage. In untreated patients, the natural history of pancreas divisum was benign. Surgery is safe and effective in symptomatic patients, although multiple operations may be required for recurrent symptoms or progressive disease.