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Palliative therapy for pancreatic/biliary cancer
Michael G House1, Michael A Choti
1Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
The Surgical Clinics of North America
|April 19, 2005
Summary
Surgical palliation offers effective relief for unresectable periampullary cancer symptoms like jaundice and pain. This approach, involving a multidisciplinary team, optimizes quality of life for patients with pancreatic and biliary cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Unresectable periampullary cancer presents challenges in symptom management, including obstructive jaundice, duodenal obstruction, and pain.
- Decisions for palliative procedures (operative vs. non-operative) depend on patient condition, survival projections, and symptom patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role and outcomes of surgical palliation for unresectable periampullary cancer.
- To highlight the benefits of surgical intervention in managing major symptoms and improving quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Surgical exploration as a definitive method to assess resectability and potential for curative resection.
- Multidisciplinary team approach involving surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and oncologists for treatment planning.
Main Results:
- Surgical palliation effectively manages obstructive symptoms and cancer pain in a single procedure.
- Average hospital stay post-surgery is under 15 days, even with minor complications.
- Average survival for patients receiving surgical palliation for unresectable pancreatic cancer is approximately 8 months.
Conclusions:
- Surgical palliation is a crucial component in managing unresectable periampullary cancer, offering significant symptom relief.
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimizing palliative care and quality of life in patients with pancreatic and biliary cancers.