Long-term results of pancreatic cancer surgery

Despite of growing incidence of pancreatic cancer and dynamic development of modern diagnostic methods, long-term treatment results are still unsatisfying. The aim of the study is the assessment of long-term outcome of pancreatic cancer surgery. Group of 621 patients hospitalized between 1972-1999 was analyzed. Pancreatic resection was performed in 34.1% (n = 212) patients, and in 65.9% (n = 409) cases a palliative bypass procedure was carried out. Increased number of resective procedures (from 6.2% to 40.1%) in the recent years was observed with lower perioperative mortality rates (from 20% to below 5%). The analysis of the long-term results of surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer showed significant improvement of the overall 5-year survival from 4.2% to 17.1% in the recent years. Based on the carried out analysis the authors conclude, that pancreatic cancer surgery performed by the experienced surgeon improves long-term results lowering to minimum the rates of complications.