A scoring system for preoperative assessment of resectability in periampullary neoplasms

To identify the preoperative factors predicting resectability in periampullary neoplasms.

Twenty-three different parameters representing the clinical, laboratory and radiological data of 65 patients, who were operated for periampullary neoplasms, were analyzed to determine their value in assessing neoplasm resectability. Coefficients were calculated by Cox regression analysis for significant factors. A scoring system was designed for resectability. All patients were divided into 4 groups according to their scores.

Twenty-six patients who had a resectable neoplasm underwent pancreatico-duodenectomy and surgical palliation was performed in the remaining 39 patients. After multivariate analysis, neoplasms larger than 4.5 cm, low leukocyte count (<9500/mm3), high bilirubin levels (>137.5 micromol/L) and tomographic findings indicating neoplasm invasion were found to be independent factors predicting resectability. The score range was between 0 and 12. Patients were grouped as Group-1 (total score 0-2), Group-2 (total score 3-5), Group-3 (total score 6-8), and Group-4 (total score 9 and higher). Resectability rates were 100% in Group 1 (n=13), 44% in Group-2 (n=23), 21% in Group-3 (n=14), and 0% in Group-4 (n=15), respectively. Mean score was 3.3 in patients with resectable lesions and 7.2 in patients with unresectable lesions (p<0.001).

This simple scoring system can be a guide in the management plans of patients with periampullary neoplasms. By using this scoring system, patients with an unresectable neoplasm can be predicted and most unnecessary laparotomies can be avoided (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 27). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.