Advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Abstract

Conventional pancreatic resections have proved unsatisfactory in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. A new operative approach that includes resection of the pancreas en bloc with the regional nodes and pertinent vascular structures has been developed. The procedure was carried out in 27 patients, the majority of whom had advanced neoplasms. The two-year actuarial survival of those who escaped complications of the procedure and lived was 46%. The technical details, postoperative problems, and the benefits of this operation are discussed.