Angiography and pancreatoductography in resectable carcinoma of the pancreas.

Angiography and pancreatoductography were performed in 18 patients with resectable carcinoma of the pancreas. The presence or absence of vascular and ductal tumor involvement was evaluated. Accurate diagnosis was obtained in 83 per cent at pancreatoductography alone, in 66 per cent at angiography alone, while combination of the methods resulted in 94 per cent accuracy. Tumor involvement of the capsule and secretion stagnation in the distal part of the pancreas are of importance for the surgical management and the survival after resection. An improved result after surgery may be obtained by combined evaluation of the vascular and ductal morphology as demonstrated at preoperative radiography.