Subtotal duodeno-pancreatectomy for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Preliminary report of an alternative operation to total pancreatectomy.

For ductal carcinoma of the head of the pancreas and large periampullary carcinoma with wide infiltration into the head of the pancreas a subtotal duodeno-pancreatectomy with preservation of the pancreatic tail and spleen is introduced as an alternative to total pancreatectomy. A preliminary report of 38 operations shows a mortality of only 3% and a low morbidity. Diabetes mellitus increased from 17% preoperatively to 40% postoperatively, therefore, in 60% a normal carbohydrate metabolism was preserved. At present 5 of 20 patients (R0) with ductal cancer are alive and free of recurrence 18 to 55 months after the operation with a median survival of 12 months for all curatively resected patients. No negative influence on median survival time can yet be recognized. Subtotal duodeno-pancreatectomy was performed with a much lower operative risk than total pancreatectomy and seems to be as effective as total organ removal.