Pancreatic resection for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a single center experience and review of the literature.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the few tumour types metastatic to the pancreas. In order to evaluate the outcome following resection of pancreatic metastases of RCC a retrospective review of surgical patients was performed. The initial histopathological staging, disease-free interval, surgical outcome and survival were evaluated. The median interval between nephrectomy and pancreatic resection was 9 years. Six out of the ten patients preoperatively presented with severe complaints caused by the pancreatic metastasis, such as pain, chronic pancreatitis, jaundice and gastrointestinal bleeding. Severe postoperative complications only occurred in two patients, who presented in a deteriorated condition preoperatively. The median follow-up was 56 months, in 3 patients more than 5 years. Although the spontaneous course of RCC metastases can be favourable, the complete resection of pancreatic metastases for patients in good physical condition is suggested if possible. Moreover, good palliation of symptoms in patients with long-term survival can be achieved.