[Pancreatic carcinoma--the status of extensive interventions]

The five-year survival rate after resection of carcinoma of the pancreas remains unsatisfactory. The R0 resection rate (histologic-radical) as well as the five-year survival rate can be improved by extension of resection to neighbouring soft-tissue structures, including lymphadenectomy under consideration of the anatomical site of the pancreas. An extension to other organs of the upper abdomen does not appear to have any influence on long-term survival. The choice of the safest reconstructive procedure influences the long-term outcome by decreasing post-operative mortality and morbidity.