Pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM)-associated pancreatitis: a case report and a new treatment strategy proposed for PBM

Based on a case of PBM-related recurrent pancreatitis diagnosed using ultrasonographic endoscopy, we comprehensively reviewed PBM-related literatures. In addition to the classical therapeutic strategy of selecting different surgical procedures based on the morphology of the extrahepatic bile ducts, ERCP, a minimally invasive treatment, has unique advantages in PBM treatment. For symptomatic patients with PBM, ERCP can significantly reduce patient discomfort and facilitate favorable surgical conditions. Furthermore, when the effect of surgery is unclear, or patients do not wish to undergo surgery, ERCP can be used as a complementary or palliative treatment option to provide patients with more therapeutic possibilities. In this study, we propose and describe a new treatment strategy for PBM: combining traditional radical surgical program with ERCP to provide useful experiences and references for future treatment of PBM.