Second look operation in managing carcinoma of the pancreas and periampullary region

From a total of 153 patients with carcinoma of the periampullary region and of the head of the pancreas, 127 underwent surgical treatment. There were 79 men and 48 women with a mean age of 65 years (a range of 39 to 90 years). Of these, 26 had resectional operations. Fifteen were carried out at the initial laparotomy and 11 at a second look operation (SLO). Of the 112 patients who had a palliative bypass at the initial laparotomy, 30, who were less than 65 years of age and were fit and remained so when assessed at six and 12 weeks postoperatively, were re-evaluated for SLO. Of these, 12 had evidence of metastases and, therefore, were not considered for SLO. Eleven had a successful resection, and in seven, attempted resection had to be abandoned because of local invasion. The five year survival rate was 50 per cent for carcinoma of the periampullary region and 9 per cent for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas after primary resection. The comparable rates after SLO were 33.3 and 12.5 per cent, respectively. Based on our experience, SLO should be considered in young, fit patients as associated pancreatitis can make some tumors seem locally invasive and, hence, appear unresectable at the initial laparotomy.