Lesions of the ampulla of Vater represent an uncommon group of gastrointestinal malignancies. The majority of lesions of the ampulla of Vater are either adenomas or adenocarcinomas. Ampullary lesions are often incidental findings. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and staging of ampullary tumors is imperative for predicting prognosis and determining the most appropriate therapeutic approach. Endoscopic ampullectomy is a safe and efficacious therapeutic procedure that can obviate the need for potentially major surgical intervention. This review will provide the framework for the diagnosis and management of ampullary lesions from the perspective of the practicing gastroenterologist. Strategies for safe and successful endoscopic ampullectomy with a focus on accurate preoperative diagnosis and staging, resection technique, and management of complications are presented. Core tip: Adenomatous ampullary lesions are rare. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have changed the management of patients with these lesions. Endoscopic ampullectomy is a technique that has revolutionized the treatment of these lesions avoiding potential complications of surgery. We herein discuss the epidemiology, the role of EUS in the local staging and the role of endoscopy in the treatment of the adenomatous ampullary neoplasms.Espinel J, Pinedo E, Ojeda V, Guerra del Rio M. Endoscopic management of adenomatous ampullary lesions. World J REVIEW