Surgical treatment of refractory groove pancreatitis

Groove pancreatitis is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis localized to the pancreatoduodenal groove. Diagnosis is challenging because of nonspecific symptoms and imaging findings that often mimic malignancy. Although conservative management is considered first-line therapy, surgical intervention may become necessary in refractory cases. We report a case of refractory groove pancreatitis successfully treated with laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, highlighting the role of surgery and the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors.