Total pancreatectomy for ductal cell carcinoma of the pancreas. An update.

Forty-eight patients with ductal cell carcinoma of the pancreas underwent total pancreatectomy. During 1970-1976, there were four deaths (a mortality of 18%). During the last twenty-eight operations (1977-1986), there were no hospital deaths. Seventeen per cent of the patients suffered intraoperative complications involving the mesenteric vessels. Twenty-seven per cent suffered postoperative complications. Twenty-five per cent of the patients left the hospital within 2 weeks, 50% left within 4 weeks, and another 25% remained in the hospital for longer than 4 weeks. Thirty-five per cent of the patients have returned to their preoperative job or similar life activity. Another 35% were able to lead an active life but did not return to regular work, and 30% were to some degree incapacitated by their operative procedure and disease. Twenty-one per cent of the patients lived for 4 years, and 14% survived for 5 years.