Recurrent ascending cholangitis secondary to food reflux following transduodenal resection of an ampullary adenoma

Ampullary lesions, including adenomas and early-stage carcinomas, pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge because of their location and proximity to the pancreatic and bile ducts. Transduodenal ampullectomy offers a targeted approach for the resection of these lesions while preserving the integrity of the pancreaticobiliary system. Moreover, transduodenal ampullectomy is associated with favourable postoperative outcomes, including low rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as preservation of pancreatic and biliary function. However, potential complications such as ascending cholangitis pancreatic leakage, bleeding and duodenal stenosis can occur, which would impact the postoperative quality of life. Addressing these outcomes might require either endoscopic procedures or surgical interventions. We present an exceedingly uncommon case of recurrent ascending cholangitis resulting from reflux of food particles into the common bile duct that was treated successfully with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and gastroenterostomy.