Minor Papillotomy for Treatment of Idiopathic Acute Pancreatitis With Pancreas Divisum

Pancreas divisum is implicated as an obstructive cause for acute pancreatitis. Observational data suggest endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with minor papillotomy reduces the risk of pancreatitis episodes. Even though this endoscopic procedure is widely used in practice, clinical trials are lacking.

To determine whether ERCP with minor papillotomy reduces the risk of acute pancreatitis among adults with unexplained acute recurrent pancreatitis and pancreas divisum. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter, sham-controlled, double-blind randomized clinical trial enrolled adults with 2 or more episodes of acute pancreatitis and pancreas divisum. Adults with other etiologies for acute pancreatitis or concomitant chronic calcific pancreatitis were excluded. The trial was conducted between September 1, 2018, and August 30, 2024, at 21 referral centers in the US and Canada. Last follow-up occurred on February 15, 2025. Intervention: Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to ERCP with minor papillotomy or sham ERCP. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was development of acute pancreatitis more than 30 days after randomization as a time-to-event outcome. The secondary outcomes included acute pancreatitis episode frequency and development of chronic calcific pancreatitis, diabetes, and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction.