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An ampullectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to treat cancers of the hepatopancreatic duct (ampullary adenomas), small neuroendocrine tumors that develop in the ampulla of Vater and certain noncancerous conditions, such as inflammatory stenosis. During this procedure, any visible tumors are removed, but the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues are typically left untouched. Because this type of surgery is generally less extensive than other pancreatic procedures, such as a pancreatoduodenectomy, it offers several advantages, including a lower risk of complications and a shorter hospital stay. Usually, ampullectomy procedures are reserved for small, early-stage cancers that have not spread beyond the site of origin.

Depending on a patient’s diagnosis, an ampullectomy might be performed as a traditional, open operation or a minimally invasive procedure. At Moffitt Cancer Center, we specialize in many forms of gastrointestinal surgery, including endoscopic and robot-assisted ampullectomies. To determine the best approach for a patient, we consider:

  • The type, size, stage and location of the tumor
  • A detailed analysis of the tumor’s cellular composition
  • The patient’s unique medical history
  • Evidence-based best practices that correspond with improved patient outcomes and a higher quality of life

Our surgeons perform thousands of complex procedures every year, giving them an exceptional level of expertise. Additionally, our team has access to the latest surgical technologies, including the da Vinci® robotic surgery system, which allows them to perform gastrointestinal procedures with the highest level of precision and control.

For more information about the gastrointestinal cancer treatments offered at Moffitt Cancer Center, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. We do not require a physician’s referral to make an appointment.