[Carcinoma of the head of the pancreas--diagnosis, surgical indications and results (author's transl)]. / Das Pankreaskopfkarzinom. Diagnostik, chirurgische Indikation und Ergebnisse

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED 89 cases of pancreatic or periampullary carcinoma were analysed and the following problems discussed 1. DIAGNOSIS "early" diagnosis is at present impossible--not even with E.R.C.P. or angiography, although these provide valuable information for planning the operation. 2. Indication for operation a curative resection was possible in only 20% of cases. The apparent advantages of total pancreatectomy as against the conventional Whipple operation (increased radicality and reduced post-op. complications) have not yet paid off in terms of improved long-term survival. 3. RESULTS: in 46 pancreato-duodenectomies (for carcinoma as well as complicated chronic pancreatitis) the operative and hospital mortality was 4.3%.