Periampullary Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Among patients with periampullary adenocarcinoma treated by pancreaticoduodenectomy, those with duodenal adenocarcinoma are most likely to survive long term. Five-year survival is less likely for patients with ampullary, distal bile duct, and pancreatic primaries, in declining order. Resection margin status, resected lymph node status, and degree of tumor differentiation also significantly influence long-term outcome. Particularly for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 5-year survival is not equated with cure, because many patients die of recurrent disease >5 years after resection.