Improved Results after Resection of Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Improved postoperative survival was observed in patients with ductal pancreatic cancer treated with radical pancreatic resection including wide retroperitoneal dissection. Incidence of intractable diarrhea was suppressed by preservation of perivascular nerve plexus of the superior mesenteric artery. Survival merit was notable in patients either with less progressed stages or without nodal involvement. Laparotomy without resection was associated with high incidence of early postoperative death. Our results showed that certain part of ductal pancreatic cancer was curable with extended pancreatic resection. Diagnostic laparotomy should be avoided, and palliative surgery should be abstained if nonsurgical measure is available.