Complications Linked To Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Periampullary Polyps

Though periampullary polyps aren't as common as polyps in the rectum and colon, they have been known to develop. Some patients with familial adenomatous polyposis find their entire gastrointestinal system is compromised. The ampulla is the part of the gastrointestinal tract where the bile duct and pancreatic duct drain into the small intestine. Ampulla polyps are benign at first, but they can become cancerous as they grow. Even if the polyps aren't cancerous, they can lead to blockages in the bile or pancreatic ducts. In turn, this causes pancreatitis and bacterial infections. Ampullary polyps are usually diagnosed through an upper endoscopy and biopsy. Some noninvasive treatment methods can reduce or eliminate non-cancerous ampullary polyps., but if the polyp has become cancerous or too enlarged, patients will need to have it removed through traditional surgery.