Rationale for Total Pancreatectomy for Carcinoma of the Pancreatic Head

Abstract

THE results of surgical treatment of carcinoma of the head of the pancreas are disappointing. Only about 10 per cent of patients operated upon are considered candidates for removal of the neoplasm.1 Of these, fewer than 13 per cent can be expected to survive for five years or more.1 2 3 A review of our experience with 11 consecutive Whipple operations¶ performed for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital suggests that subtotal pancreatectomy does not remove all the primary tumor in a significant proportion of cases. Total pancreatectomy appears to offer more promise and results . . .