[Surgical treatment of carcinoma of the pancreas]

Personal experience acquired in the use of radical and palliative techniques in the treatment of 18 cases of carcinoma of the pancreas and 1 of carcinoma of the ampulla hepatopancreatica is reported. The results show that duodenocephalo-pancreasectomy is a sound procedure, particularly in the absence of lymph node invasion. Operative mortality is low if the surgeon is experienced. In the even of serious and prolonged cholostasis, the operation can be preceded by a biliary shunt. According to the Authors there are not yet valid reasons as to the survival to prefer total pancreasectomy instead the partial pancreasectomy because of the high mortality of the former. Early diagnosis and the recognition of precancerous conditions still represent determining factors as far as operability and hence survival are concerned. The efficacy of chemotherapy is uncertain at present.