[The nonresectable pancreatic tumor, an interdisciplinary problem. The surgeon's viewpoint]

In 204 patients with cancer of the pancreas (1973-1984), palliative treatment in 157 non-resectable tumors is analyzed retrospectively. 124 patients underwent biliodigestive anastomosis, 11 with simultaneous gastroenterostomy. In 13 patients a secondary gastroenterostomy was necessary due to duodenal obstruction. The mortality rate in this group was 38.5% compared with 9% in patients who underwent simultaneous gastroenterostomy. Where there is a calculated risk, the aim should be a single, definitive intervention, especially where the patient can no longer be provided with an endoscopic discharge.