Rationale for En Bloc Vein Resection in the Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Adherent to the Superior Mesenteric-Portal Vein Confluence

Abstract

When necessary, segmental resection of the SMPV confluence may be performed safely during pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary malignant tumors. Tumors invading the SMPV confluence are not associated with histologic parameters suggesting a poor prognosis. Our data suggest that venous involvement is a function of tumor location rather than an indicator of aggressive tumor biology.