Ampulla of Vater - Anatomic, embryologic, and surgical aspects

The ampulla of Vater corresponds to the dilated junction of the common bile and main pancreatic ducts. The ampulla actually is a more extensive anatomic and functional region that includes not only the choledochopancreatic junction but also the sphincter of Oddi, the whole traversing the duodenal wall to open at the greater duodenal papilla. The chief anatomic features of this biliopancreaticoduodenal junction are reviewed, forming the basis of techniques of surgical or endoscopic sphincterotomies and localized excisions of Vaterian tumors.