Synchronous arterial resection in pancreatic cancer: A case report

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Oncology

Background:

• Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy with poor survival rates, often diagnosed at advanced stages.
• Advanced pancreatic cancer frequently involves major vascular structures, including arteries and veins, typically deeming it unresectable.
• While venous resection outcomes are documented, arterial invasion's impact on survival remains less understood.

Observation:

• This study explored the initial experience with arterial resection in locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
• Four patients underwent arterial resection combined with pancreatoduodenectomy between January 2018 and January 2020.
• All patients had pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, required venous resections, and had a mean age of 48.

Findings:

• Microscopic negative resection margins were achieved in three out of four cases.
• One patient required postoperative reoperation.
• Combined arterial and venous resection was feasible in selected cases of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Implications:

• Arterial resection, when combined with venous resection and pancreatoduodenectomy, may be a viable option for achieving radical surgery in select patients.
• Further research is needed to clarify the long-term survival outcomes associated with arterial resection in pancreatic cancer.
• This approach could potentially improve resectability and survival for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer involving arterial structures.