Laparotomy site implantation metastasis of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater

IntroductionCarcinomas of the papilla of Vater make up a heterogeneous group of tumours arising from different types of epithelium. Regional lymph nodes, liver and lungs are the primary sites of metastatic progression of these tumours.Case presentationWe present a patient with an abdominal incision site metastasis of low-grade (mixed type) adenocarcinoma of the papilla of Vater one year after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Implantation metastasis of low-grade ampullary carcinoma in the laparotomy wound after open Whipple’s procedure is unusual.ConclusionAdjuvant chemoradiation might be considered for patients with low-grade localised disease as a potentially preventative measure vs. metastatic progression.