​Duodenal diverticulum

Duodenal diverticulae are pouches that arise from the bowel wall. They are thought to arise through development of weaknesses in the wall or as a consequence of previous ulceration. They are usually entirely asymptomatic but may if they are multiple cause problems with motility and bacterial overgrowth. When a diverticulum arises adjacent to the ampulla, the  opening of the bile and pancreatic it can cause problems with biliary drainage and often makes access to the duct for any potential therapeutic procedure much more challenging. In the vast majority of cases no specific treatment is required.