| Theme |
Advancement in Diagnosis and Treatment for Duodenal Neoplasms |
| Title |
Anatomy and Physiological Functions of the Duodenum |
| Author |
Masamitsu Nakao |
Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Saitama Medical University |
| Author |
Masashi Oka |
Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Saitama Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
The duodenum is a short portion of the digestive tract approximately 25 cm in length and a proximal portion of the small intestine following the stomachʼs pylorus ring. The duodenum has particular anatomical features such as a narrow lumen, tight curves at two places and fixation to the retroperitoneum. When an upper GI endoscopy performed, it is difficlut to ensure the field of view because scope operation is unstable. Therefore, endoscopic therapy for duodenal lesions is often technically difficult. In addition, since bile and pancreatic juice flows out of the papilla of Vater and the wall structure is thin, the risk of complications such as perforations is higher than in other sections of the GI tract. Endoscopists who perform observations and treatments in the duodenum should work to understand more about anatomical features and physiological functions of the duodenum. |