RESUMO
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The excision rate is low for the intermediate and advanced pancreatic head carcinoma. Comprehensive treatment is the main method to prolong patient's life. The objective of this study was to discuss the effect of intraoperative and postoperative radiotherapy on intermediate and advanced pancreatic head carcinoma. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with intermediate or advanced pancreatic head carcinoma underwent cholecystojejunostomy combined by intraoperative radiotherapy with direct electron beam on the tumor. Meanwhile the catheter of multifunctional implantable drug delivery system was inserted via gastroduodenal artery for postoperative perfusion chemotherapy. The survival rate was calculated using the direct method after follow-up for 3-29 months. RESULTS: All carcinoma shrank with 100% pain releasing rate. The 6-, 12-,and 24-month survival rates were 100%, 93.7%, and 20%, respectively. Five patients died and the average survival period was 17.9 months. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative radiotherapy combined with perfusion chemotherapy is an effective method to prolong the life of the patients with intermediate or advanced pancreatic head carcinoma.