Pancreatic Divisum is a congenital variation in which the two main pancreatic ducts fail to fuse during fetal development. Instead of joining into a single duct to drain pancreatic juices, they empty separately into the small intestine. Most people with this anatomical variant never have problems, but in some, impaired drainage can lead to pain or pancreatitis.
Many individuals remain symptom-free. When symptoms do occur, they often include:
Pancreatic Divisum is present at birth. Key factors include:
With a focus on patient-centered care and comprehensive digestive health solutions, GastroDoxs provides expert diagnostics and effective treatment for Pancreatic Divisum and related pancreatic disorders. Our approach is rooted in compassionate, personalized care to help you achieve long-term relief and an improved quality of life. Ready to find lasting relief? Book your appointment today with our Pancreatic Divisum specialists.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Pancreatic divisum is a congenital condition in which the two main pancreatic ducts fail to fuse during fetal development, causing them to drain separately into the small intestine.
Pancreatic divisum occurs in approximately 5-10% of the population, making it the most common congenital pancreatic duct anomaly.
While many people remain asymptomatic, others may experience abdominal pain after meals, bloating, gas, unexplained weight loss, or episodes of acute or chronic pancreatitis.
Diagnosis is typically made with Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), a non-invasive imaging test that clearly shows the anatomy of the pancreatic ducts.
No. There is currently no proven link between pancreatic divisum and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Treatment is only required if a patient experiences recurrent pain or pancreatitis due to impaired ductal drainage.
A low-fat diet with small, frequent meals is recommended to reduce pancreatic workload and help prevent flare-ups.
Yes. Endoscopic therapy, such as sphincterotomy or stenting, can improve ductal drainage and often reduces pain and recurrence of pancreatitis.
No. Surgery is reserved for rare cases when endoscopic treatments fail to provide relief, and it aims to create a larger drainage pathway.
Contact GastroDoxs in Pancreatic Divisum for expert evaluation and personalized treatment plans from a dedicated team of pancreatic specialists.
