The overlooked technique of ampullary excision.

Local excision of ampullary tumors with reimplantation of the ducts is a relatively easy procedure, compared with pancreaticoduodenectomy. For properly selected patients, it will offer a longevity similar to that of the more radical procedure, at lower morbidity and mortality rates. It is the procedure of choice for benign ampullary lesions and deserves serious consideration for the high risk patient with a malignant lesion that is localized to the ampulla and adjacent duodenal wall.