Surgical palliation of unresectable carcinoma of the pancreas

Prevention of pancreatitis after stent implantation for distal malignant biliary strictures: systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Biliary stent placement remains a palliative treatment for patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary strictures (DMBS). The incidence of post-ERCP-pancreatitis (PEP) significantly increases in patients receiving fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) who undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an overview of prevention of PEP after stent implantation for DMBSs. The following operational variables were evaluated: (1) stent type (plastic or metal stent); (2) stent location (above or across the sphincter of Oddi); (3) prophylactic pancreatic duct stent placement; (4) endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane database were searched to identify eligible studies up to October 2021. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using fixed- or random- effects models.

EXPERT OPINION

1. PEP occurs more frequently in DMBS patients with self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) compared to that plastic stent (PS). 2. The PEP incidence is higher in covered stents than that in uncovered self-expandable metal stents (USEMS), but not significantly. 3. PEP incidence increases in patients receiving transpapillary FCSEMS placement, particularly when there is an absence of pancreatic duct dilation, and prophylactic pancreatic stenting is recommended for these patients. 4. Limited studies with small sample indicate that there is no significant difference in PEP incidence between transpapillary and suprapapillary stents placement for DMBS. 5. Limited studies indicate that EST does not significantly affect the incidence of pancreatitis in DMBS patients.

Cytoreductive Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer Improves Overall Outcome of Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatoduodenectomy is feasible also in patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) nowadays. Data on risk and survival analysis of palliative pancreatic resections followed by gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (Cx) are limited.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2009, a total of 45 patients had primary cytoreductive surgery (cS) (pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy) followed by gemcitabine-based Cx (cS + Cx) for advanced PA. We matched 1:1 the cS + Cx group with 45 contemporaneous patients who primarily started palliative gemcitabine-based Cx for age, sex, performance status, and body mass index. Overall, survival was evaluated.

RESULTS

Local R0 and R1 resection in metastatic patients was achieved in 27% and 27%, respectively. The R2 resection status without distant metastasis resulted in 33%, whereas 13% showed a local R2 status with additional metastasis (M1). Median overall survival was 10.4 months after cytoreductive pancreatic surgery and consecutive gemcitabine-based Cx versus 7.2 months after upfront gemcitabine-based Cx (P = 0.009). Median survival for R0/M1 patients was 14.4 months and 11.0 months for R2/M0 patients, whereas the median survival for R1/M1 and for R2/M1 patients was 7.3 months and 6.1 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual patients with advanced PA had a significantly longer overall survival after palliative pancreaticoduodenectomy followed by Cx than patients in a matched control group who underwent primarily palliative Cx.

Complications and survival associated with operative procedures in patients with unresectable pancreatic head adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Unresectable tumors of the pancreatic head are encountered in up to 20% of patients taken for resection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications and outcome associated with palliative surgical procedures to help guide management decisions in these patients.

METHODS

Patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma taken to the operating room with curative intent who did not undergo pancreatectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS

From 1997 to 2013, 50 patients were explored and found be unresectable due to M1 disease (n = 27, 54.0%) or vascular invasion (n = 23, 46.0%). Among unresectable patients, 34 (68.0%) had a palliative procedure performed including double bypass (n = 13), biliary bypass (n = 7), gastrojejunostomy (n = 5), or cholecystectomy (n = 9). Complications occurred in 22 patients (44.0%), and patients who had a palliative operation had a longer hospital stay and more major complications. Overall survival was reduced in patients treated with a palliative operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advancements in endoscopic palliation, operative bypasses are still commonplace in patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer. In this study, patients treated with operative procedures had a high rate of complications without a notable improvement in outcome. These findings highlight the importance of identifying unresectable disease prior to surgery and support a selective approach to palliative operations.

Gastrojejunostomy in patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer - the use of Roux loop significantly shortens the hospital length of stay

AIM: To evaluate the use of the Roux loop on the postoperative course in patients submitted for gastroenteroanastomosis (GE).

METHODS: Non-jaundiced patients (n = 41) operated on in the Department of General and Transplant Surgery in Lodz, between January 2010 and December 2011 were enrolled. The tumor was considered unresectable when liver metastases or major vascular involvement were confirmed. Patients were randomized to receive Roux (n = 21) or conventional GE (n = 20) on a prophylactic basis.

RESULTS: The mean time to nasogastric tube withdrawal in Roux GE group was shorter (1.4 ± 0.75 vs 2.8 ± 1.1, P < 0.001). Time to starting oral liquids, soft diet and regular diet were decreased (2.3 ± 0.86 vs 3.45 ± 1.19; P < 0.001; 3.3 ± 0.73 vs 4.4 ± 1.23, P < 0.001 and 4.5 ± 0.76 vs 5.6 ± 1.42, P = 0.002; respectively). The Roux GE group had a lower use of prokinetics (10 mg thrice daily for 2.2 ± 1.8 d vs 3.7 ± 2.6 d, P = 0.044; total 62 ± 49 mg vs 111 ± 79 mg, P = 0.025). The mean hospitalization time following Roux GE was shorter (7.7 d vs 9.6 d, P = 0.006). Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was confirmed in 20% after conventional GE but in none of the patients following Roux GE.

CONCLUSION: Roux gastrojejunostomy during open abdomen exploration in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer is easy to perform, decreases the incidence of DGE and lowers hospitalization time.

Outcomes of endoscopic pyloric stenting in malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a retrospective study

Background

Up to 30% of patients with pancreatic cancer and more than 50% of patients with gastric cancer already have incurable disease, with distressing symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction at the time of presentation which require effective palliation. We decided to test the clinical outcomes of endoscopic stent placement in malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

Methods

In a retrospective single institution-based study, the charts of patients who had self-expandable metal stents placed to alleviate malignant gastric outlet obstruction were reviewed. Charts were reviewed to assess improvement in oral intake according to the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System (GOOSS), and in order to also evaluate technical success and complications of the procedure.

Results

69 patients with successful stent placement were retrospectively evaluated. Within 7 and 28 days after stent placement respectively, 85.5% and 80% benefited from stent insertion, with an increase in the GOOSS score of > 1. Resumption of soft or low residue diet (GOOSS 2-3) was achieved in 53.6% at day 7 and in 62% of patients at day 28, respectively. Of the patients achieving a GOOSS score of 2-3, 17.3% remained on a soft or low residue diet at 24 weeks or at last follow up, while 46% died. Stent related adverse events occurred in 10 patients (14%), including stent blockade in 7 and stent migration in 3 patients.

Conclusion

Endoscopic enteral stenting promptly increases oral intake in the majority of patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction and is a safe procedure with a low rate of serious complications.

Uncovered self-expandable metallic stent placement as a first-line palliative therapy in unresectable malignant duodenal obstruction

OBJECTIVE

To report treatment outcomes and complications of uncovered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) as a first-line therapy for inoperable malignant duodenal obstructions in our hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in patients who had undergone placement of uncovered SEMS as a first-line therapy for inoperable malignant duodenal obstruction from August 2001 to July 2011. Treatment outcomes and complications of the procedures were investigated.

RESULTS

In total, 47 patients (25 men; mean age 65 years) underwent the procedure. The technical and clinical success rates were 93.6% and 83.0%, respectively. Early complications occurred in 8 patients, including two guidewire-induced micro-perforations and six pancreatitis. All these 8 patients recovered with conservative treatment. Six late complications requiring additional procedures consisted of five stent occlusions due to tumor ingrowth and one stent migration. Four stent occlusions and one migration were treated by the placement of an additional covered stent and the remaining case was treated by balloon dilatation. The median primary stent patency period and median survival period after primary stent placement were 103 days and 131 days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Uncovered SEMS placement is effective as a first-line palliative therapy for inoperable malignant duodenal obstruction. Complications such as stent occlusion or migration can be easily managed with additional covered SEMS.

Operative procedures for unresectable pancreatic cancer: does operative bypass decrease requirements for postoperative procedures and in-hospital days?

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical management of patients found to have unresectable pancreatic cancer at open exploration remains unknown.

METHODS

Records of patients who underwent non-therapeutic laparotomy for pancreatic cancer during 2000-2009 and were followed until death at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Over the 10-year study period, 157 patients underwent non-therapeutic laparotomy. Laparotomy alone was performed in 21% of patients; duodenal bypass, biliary bypass and double bypass were performed in 11%, 30% and 38% of patients, respectively. Complications occurred in 44 (28%) patients. Three (2%) patients died perioperatively. Postoperative interventions were required in 72 (46%) patients following exploration. The median number of inpatient days prior to death was 16 (interquartile range: 8-32 days). Proportions of patients requiring interventions were similar regardless of the procedure performed at the initial operation, as were the total number of inpatient days prior to death. Patients undergoing gastrojejunostomy required fewer postoperative duodenal stents and those undergoing operative biliary drainage required fewer postoperative biliary stents.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, duodenal, biliary and double bypasses in unresectable patients were not associated with fewer invasive procedures following non-therapeutic laparotomy and did not appear to reduce the total number of inpatient hospital days prior to death. Continued effort to identify unresectability prior to operation is justified.

Is intraoperative confirmation of malignancy during pancreaticoduodenectomy mandatory?

INTRODUCTION

Differentiating between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma can be difficult due to considerable overlap in disease presentation and radiological signs and the frequent co-existence of the two conditions. In this situation, surgeons may have to proceed to "blind" pancreaticoduodenectomy or attempt to confirm malignancy intraoperatively with frozen section (FS) histology.

METHODS

This study attempted to ascertain the false-negative and false-positive rates of undertaking pancreaticoduodenectomies (PD) based on clinical suspicion (CS) or after intraoperative confirmation of malignancy using FS histology.

RESULTS

Of patients, 13.6% (nine out of 66) underwent a benign PD in the CS group; 6.7% of patients had a missed malignancy in the FS group (n = 62), but intraoperative histology prevented PD in 35% of patients with benign disease in the FS group. Specificity and sensitivity of intraoperative FS in detecting malignancy was 100% and 89.7%, respectively. Sensitivity of clinical assessment in detecting malignancy was 86.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

In experienced hands, intraoperative confirmation of malignancy is effective and will avoid resection in patients with benign disease. However, for many surgeons the chance of missing a small tumour with a false-negative biopsy will be unacceptable and they would prefer to undertake a "blind" resection and accept the mortality risk of pancreaticoduodenectomy for benign disease.

Small bowel perforation after duodenal stent migration: An interesting case of a rare complication

Duodenal stents are frequently used for palliating malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Successful stent placement relieves obstructive symptoms, is cost effective, and has a relatively low complication rate. However, enteral stents have the potential of migrating distally and rarely, even lead to bowel perforation. We present a rare case of a duodenal stent placed as a palliative measure for gastric outlet obstruction due to unresectable pancreatic cancer that migrated distally after a gastrojejunostomy resulting in small bowel perforation.

Palliative interventional and surgical therapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer

Palliative treatment concepts are considered in patients with non-curatively resectable and/or metastasized pancreatic cancer. However, patients without metastases, but presented with marginally resectable or locally non-resectable tumors should not be treated by a palliative therapeutic approach. These patients should be enrolled in neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy trials because a potentially curative resection can be achieved in approximately one-third of them after finishing treatment and restaging. Within the scope of best possible palliative care, resection of the primary cancer together with excision of metastases represents a therapeutic option to be contemplated in selected cases. Comprehensive palliative therapy is based on treatment of bile duct or duodenal obstruction for certain locally unresectable or metastasized advanced pancreatic cancer. However, endoscopic or percutaneous stenting procedures and surgical bypass provide safe and highly effective therapeutic alternatives. In case of operative drainage of the biliary tract (biliodigestive anastomosis), the prophylactic creation of a gastro-intestinal bypass (double bypass) is recommended. The decision to perform a surgical versus an endoscopic procedure for palliation depends to a great extent on the tumor stage and the estimated prognosis, and should be determined by an interdisciplinary team for each patient individually.

Palliative interventional and surgical therapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer

Palliative treatment concepts are considered in patients with non-curatively resectable and/or metastasized pancreatic cancer. However, patients without metastases, but presented with marginally resectable or locally non-resectable tumors should not be treated by a palliative therapeutic approach. These patients should be enrolled in neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy trials because a potentially curative resection can be achieved in approximately one-third of them after finishing treatment and restaging. Within the scope of best possible palliative care, resection of the primary cancer together with excision of metastases represents a therapeutic option to be contemplated in selected cases. Comprehensive palliative therapy is based on treatment of bile duct or duodenal obstruction for certain locally unresectable or metastasized advanced pancreatic cancer. However, endoscopic or percutaneous stenting procedures and surgical bypass provide safe and highly effective therapeutic alternatives. In case of operative drainage of the biliary tract (biliodigestive anastomosis), the prophylactic creation of a gastro-intestinal bypass (double bypass) is recommended. The decision to perform a surgical versus an endoscopic procedure for palliation depends to a great extent on the tumor stage and the estimated prognosis, and should be determined by an interdisciplinary team for each patient individually.

Current surgical aspects of palliative treatment for unresectable pancreatic cancer

Despite all improvements in both surgical and other conservative therapies, pancreatic cancer is steadily associated with a poor overall prognosis and remains a major cause of cancer mortality. Radical surgical resection has been established as the best chance these patients have for long-term survival. However, in most cases the disease has reached an incurable state at the time of diagnosis, mainly due to the silent clinical course at its early stages. The role of palliative surgery in locally advanced pancreatic cancer mainly involves patients who are found unresectable during open surgical exploration and consists of combined biliary and duodenal bypass procedures. Chemical splanchnicectomy is another modality that should also be applied intraoperatively with good results. There are no randomized controlled trials evaluating the outcomes of palliative pancreatic resection. Nevertheless, data from retrospective reports suggest that this practice, compared with bypass procedures, may lead to improved survival without increasing perioperative morbidity and mortality. All efforts at developing a more effective treatment for unresectable pancreatic cancer have been directed towards neoadjuvant and targeted therapies. The scenario of downstaging tumors in anticipation of a future oncological surgical resection has been advocated by trials combining gemcitabine with radiation therapy or with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib, with promising early results.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of prophylactic gastroenterostomy for unresectable advanced pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The value of prophylactic gastroenterostomy (usually combined with a biliary bypass) in patients with unresectable cancer of the pancreatic head is controversial.

METHODS

A systematic review of retrospective and prospective studies, and a meta-analysis of prospective studies, on the use of prophylactic gastroenterostomy for unresectable pancreatic cancer were performed.

RESULTS

Analysis of retrospective studies did not reveal any advantage or disadvantage of prophylactic gastroenterostomy. Three prospective studies comparing prophylactic gastroenterostomy plus biliodigestive anastomosis with no bypass or a biliodigestive anastomosis alone were identified (altogether 218 patients). For patients who had prophylactic gastroenterostomy, the chance of gastric outlet obstruction during follow-up was significantly lower (odds ratio (OR) 0.06 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.02 to 0.21); P < 0.001). The rates of postoperative delayed gastric emptying were similar in both groups (OR 1.93 (95 per cent c.i. 0.57 to 6.53); P = 0.290), as were morbidity and mortality. The estimated duration of hospital stay after prophylactic gastroenterostomy was 3 days longer than for patients without bypass (weighted mean difference 3.1 (95 per cent c.i. 0.7 to 5.5); P = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic gastroenterostomy should be performed during surgical exploration of patients with unresectable pancreatic head tumours because it reduces the incidence of long-term gastroduodenal obstruction without impairing short-term outcome.

Metallic stent placement in the palliative treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstructions: primary gastric carcinoma versus pancreatic carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of metallic stent placement for relief of gastric outlet obstruction caused by gastric carcinoma and pancreatic carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 207 patients with gastric outlet obstruction caused by inoperable gastric carcinoma (n = 147) or pancreatic carcinoma (n = 60) underwent metallic stent placement.

RESULTS

Technical success of metallic stent placement was achieved in all patients. Clinical success was achieved in 97% and 93% of patients with gastric and pancreatic carcinoma, respectively (p = 0.286). The overall complication rate did not differ significantly between the gastric (29%) and pancreatic (23%) carcinoma groups (p = 0.441). Stent collapse was significantly more frequent in the gastric carcinoma group (11%) than the pancreatic carcinoma group (2%) (p = 0.027), whereas serious complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal perforation, occurred more frequently in the pancreatic (7%) than the gastric (1%) carcinoma group (p = 0.026). The cumulative survival period was significantly longer in the gastric carcinoma (median, 153 days) than the pancreatic carcinoma (median, 90 days) group (p = 0.041), but cumulative stent patency did not differ significantly between the gastric carcinoma (median, 350 days) and pancreatic carcinoma (median, 385 days) groups (p = 0.415).

CONCLUSION

Metallic stent placement was clinically effective in the palliative treatment of gastric outlet obstruction in patients with gastric and pancreatic carcinoma. The two groups differed significantly in the rates of stent collapse and serious complications and patient survival after stent placement.

Controversies in the management of borderline resectable proximal pancreatic adenocarcinoma with vascular involvement

Synchronous major vessel resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains controversial. In the 1970s, regional pancreatectomy advocated by Fortner was associated with unacceptably high morbidity and mortality rates, with no impact on long-term survival. With the establishment of a multidisciplinary approach, improvements in preoperative staging techniques, surgical expertise, and perioperative care reduced mortality rates and improved 5-year-survival rates are now achieved following resection in high-volume centres. Perioperative morbidity and mortality following PD with portal vein resection are comparable to standard PD, with reported 5-year-survival rates of up to 17%. Segmental resection and reconstruction of the common hepatic artery/proper hepatic artery (CHA/PHA) can be performed to achieve an R0 resection in selected patients with limited involvement of the CHA/PHA at the origin of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). PD with concomitant major vessel resection for borderline resectable tumours should be performed when a margin-negative resection is anticipated at high-volume centres with expertise in complex pancreatic surgery. Where an incomplete (R1 or R2) resection is likely neoadjuvant treatment with systemic chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation as part of a clinical trial should be offered to all patients.

Surgical palliation of unresectable pancreatic head cancer in elderly patients

AIM: To determine if surgical biliary bypass would provide improved quality of residual life and safe palliation in elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer.

METHODS: Nineteen patients, 65 years of age or older, were managed with surgical biliary bypass (Group A). These patients were compared with 19 patients under 65 years of age who were managed with surgical biliary bypass (Group B). In addition, the results for group A were compared with those obtained from 17 patients, 65 years of age or older (Group C), who received percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage to evaluate the quality of residual life.

RESULTS: Five patients (26.0%) in Group A had complications, including one intraabdominal abscess, one pulmonary atelectasis, and three wound infections. One death (5.3%) occurred on postoperative day 3. With respect to morbidity, mortality, and postoperative hospitalization, no statistically significant difference was noted between Groups A and B. The number of readmissions and the rate of recurrent jaundice were lower in Group A than in Group C, to a statistically significant degree (P = 0.019, P = 0.029, respectively). The median hospital-free survival period and the median overall survival were also significantly longer in Group A (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Surgical palliation does not increase the morbidity or mortality rates, but it does increase the survival rate and improve the quality of life in elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer.

Metallic stent placement in the palliative treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstructions: prospective evaluation of results and factors influencing outcome in 213 patients

BACKGROUND

Metallic stents are a therapeutic option for patients with malignant GI obstruction.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a self-expandable metallic stent in 213 patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction and to identify prognostic factors associated with clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single tertiary referral university hospital.

PATIENTS

Two hundred thirteen consecutive patients with symptomatic malignant gastric outlet or duodenal obstruction from 2001 to 2005.

INTERVENTIONS

Placement of a self-expandable metallic stent.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Prospective data collection focused on technical and clinical success, complications, and prognostic factors associated with stent patency.

RESULTS

Technical and clinical success were achieved in 94% and 94% of the patients, respectively, and the complication rate was 21%. The median and mean survival periods were 99 (95% CI, 78-121) and 159 days (95% CI, 116-203). The median and mean stent patency periods were 270 (95% CI, 234-413) and 324 days (95% CI, 128-412). With use of the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, chemotherapy after stent placement (odds ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.08-0.46; P < .001) was significantly associated with an increase in the maintenance of stent patency.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center experience and the lack of a control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of a self-expandable metallic stent is clinically effective in patients with unresectable gastric outlet or duodenal obstruction. Chemotherapy after stent placement, albeit associated with increased migration rates, is associated with an increase in the maintenance of stent patency.

Surgical palliation in patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of palliative strategies in patients with pancreatic cancer is the relief of tumor-associated symptoms such as biliary and duodenal obstruction and tumor growth. Due to high mortality and morbidity rates of surgery, treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer is mainly in the hand of gastroenterologists.

RATIONALE

In recent years, surgery of pancreatic cancer in specialized centres developed strongly, which makes it a viable option even in the treatment of advanced disease.

CONCLUSION

We advocate for an aggressive strategy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer with surgical exploration and tumor resection whenever possible.

Initial experience with laparoscopic bypass for upper gastrointestinal malignancy: a new option for palliation of patients with advanced upper gastrointestinal tumors

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract malignancy present at a stage where cure of disease is not possible. The aim of treatment in these patients is effective palliation. Various interventions have been described for the palliation of biliary and gastric outlet obstruction including open surgery, endoscopic and transparietal stent placement. Laparoscopic bypass appears to have the advantage of decreased postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay as well as offer effective palliation. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic bypass in patients with incurable UGI tract malignancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 2000 and April 2002 laparoscopic gastric and biliary bypass concurrently or alone was attempted in 19 consecutive patients with unresectable carcinoma of the head of the pancreas, adenocarcinoma of the stomach, cholangiocarcinoma of the distal common bile duct, or adenocarcinoma of the duodenum. The operative time, length of postoperative stay, complications, and the effectiveness of the procedure in terms of the ability to sustain oral nutrition and or the relief of obstructive jaundice were recorded and used as outcome measures.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic bypass was successful in 18 out of 19 cases. The mean operative time for a single bypass was 164 minutes while the average postoperative hospital stay was 11 days. All patients were able to sustain oral nutrition during the course of their hospital stay and or had effective relief from their obstructive jaundice. Two patients died from procedure unrelated causes within 30 days of the operation.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic bypass appears to be a safe and effective means of palliation for patients with unresectable UGI tract tumors and should replace open surgical palliation in this group of patients.

Stomach-interposed cholecystogastrojejunostomy: A palliative approach for periampullary carcinoma

AIM: For patients of periampullary carcinoma found to be unresectable at the time of laparotomy, surgical palliation is the primary choice of treatment. Satisfactory palliation to maximize the quality of life with low morbidity and mortality is the gold standard for a good procedure. Our aim is to explore such a procedure as an alternative to the traditional ones.

METHODS: A modified double-bypass procedure is performed by, in addition to the usual gastrojejunostomy, implanting a mushroom catheter from the gall bladder into the jejunum through the interposed stomach as an internal drainage. A retrospective review was performed including 22 patients with incurable periampullary carcinomas who underwent this surgery.

RESULTS: Both jaundice and impaired liver function improved significantly after surgery. No postoperative deaths, cholangitis, gastrojejunal, biliary anastomotic leaks, recurrent jaundice or late gastric outlet obstruction occurred. Delayed gastric emptying occurred in two patients. The total surgical time was 150±26 min. The estimated blood loss was 160±25 mL. The mean length of hospital stay after surgery was 22±6 d. The mean survival was 8 mo (range 1.5-18 mo).

CONCLUSION: In patients of unresectable periampullary malignancies, stomach-interposed cholecystogastr-ojejunostomy is a safe, simple and efficient technique for palliation.

Endoscopic palliation and nutritional support in advanced gastric cancer

Most of the patients with advanced gastric cancer have incurable disease at presentation and require palliative treatment to reduce symptoms as vomiting, nausea and inability to eat. Treatment options are palliative surgery and endoscopic techniques. Insertion of self-expanding metal stents is nowadays a well-established method of treating biliary and esophageal strictures and is also effective in gastric tumors. The indication and application technique are described in this review. In addition, enteral nutrition is indicated if the gastrointestinal tract functions but swallowing or mastication is compromised by disease or if it is needed to pass an obstructed area, especially in gastric tumor patients. This article reviews the enteral nutrition techniques and their clinical value for patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Endoscopic palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction using self-expanding metal stents: experience in 36 patients

OBJECTIVE

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction is seen in the setting of a variety of cancers, most commonly pancreatic. Self-expanding metal stents can be used to palliate these patients and restore the ability to eat.

METHODS

We reviewed the Mayo Clinic experience in the endoscopic treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Thirty-six patients (26 male, 10 female) were treated between October, 1998 and January, 2001. Data were collected from charts, endoscopy reports, x-rays, and telephone calls. A scoring system was created to grade the ability to eat.

RESULTS

All procedures were successful. Thirty-one of 36 patients (86%) required one stent at initial endoscopy, and 5/36 patients (14%) required two or more stents. Pretreatment, 19/36 patients (53%) were nil per os, 15/36 (42%) drank liquids, and 2/36 were able to eat soft solids. After stent placement, only 1/36 (3%) was still nil per os, 13/36 (36%) drank liquids, 13/36 (36%) ate soft solids, and 9/36 (25%) ate a full diet. The improvement in ability to eat using the scoring system was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Nine of 36 patients (25%) required reintervention for recurrent symptoms. Sixteen of 36 patients (44%) had concomitant or subsequent development of biliary obstruction, of which 15 were successfully decompressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-expanding metal stents are a safe and efficacious method for palliating malignant gastric outlet obstruction. The majority of patients do not require reintervention, and those that do can usually be managed nonoperatively.

Palliative strategies for locally advanced unresectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer

Technical improvement in perioperative morbidity and mortality with improved long-term survival associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy for patients with pancreatic carcinoma has clearly established a role for this operation when performed with curative intent. Most patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma will not be candidates for surgical resection of their disease. These patients will experience significant symptoms potentially requiring surgical and nonsurgical palliative interventions to treat unrelieved cancer-associated pain, obstructive jaundice, or the development of GOO. The primary goal for palliative interventions should be to relieve symptoms with minimal morbidity and to maintain or improve the quality of life for patients with an expected limited survival.

Biliary and gastric bypass or stenting in nonresectable periampullary cancer: analysis on the basis of controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The median survival rate of patients with nonresectable periampullary cancer is not much longer than 6-12 mo. Nevertheless, in most incurable patients palliative treatment is necessary, which has to focus on jaundice, pain, and prevention of gastric outlet obstruction. Up to now, debate remains about how to best provide palliative treatment.

METHOD

The results of controlled clinical trials and large multicenter studies comparing operative biliary bypass and biliary stent insertion in nonresectable pancreatic tumors are discussed in this review.

RESULTS

The initial success rate in palliation of jaundice is similar after endoscopic stent insertion and biliary bypass operation (range: 90-95 %). Morbidity (range: 1 1-36% vs 26-40%) and 30-d mortality (range: 8-20% vs 15-31%) is higher after bypass operation, whereas stent insertion is accompanied by a higher rate of hospital readmission and reintervention because of recurrent jaundice (range: 28-43%) and a later gastric outlet obstruction (up to 17%).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic biliary stent insertion should be performed if there is evidence of hepatic, peritoneal, or pulmonary metastasis formation, in old patients with a high comorbidity, or if the patient has had several laparotomies. Combined biliary and gastric operative bypass procedures should be performed in nonresectable periampullary carcinomas with accompanying gastric outlet obstruction, in the absence of metastatic spread, if a locally advanced tumor is the only reason for incurability, if exploratory laparotomy demonstrates an unresectable tumor, or if endoscopic treatment fails.

Patients with laparoscopically staged unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma do not require subsequent surgical biliary or gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic staging is an effective and accurate means of staging pancreatic cancer. But, the frequency of subsequent surgical bypass to treat biliary or gastric obstruction in laparoscopically staged patients with unresectable adenocarcinoma is unknown. The development of biliary and gastric obstruction in patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma has been reported to occur in as many as 70% and 25% of patients, respectively. Previously, staging for patients with pancreatic cancer was achieved by laparotomy and the anticipated high rate for these patients to develop obstruction led to prophylactic bypass procedures. As laparoscopic staging for pancreatic cancer becomes a standard modality, the need for prophylactic bypass procedures in these patients needs to be examined.

STUDY DESIGN

Analyses of laparoscopically staged patients (n = 155) with unresectable, histologically proved pancreatic adenocarcinoma, from a single institution treated between 1993-1997 were performed. The frequency of surgical bypass in a prospective cohort of patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma who did not undergo open enteric or biliary bypass at the time of laparoscopic staging was determined.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic staging revealed that 40 patients had locally advanced disease and 115 had metastatic disease. Median survival for patients with locally advanced and metastatic disease was 6.2 and 7.8 months, respectively. Postlaparoscopy followup revealed that 98% (152 of 155) of these patients did not require a subsequent open surgical procedure to treat biliary or gastric obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results do not support the practice of routine prophylactic bypass procedures. As such, we propose that surgical biliary bypass can be advocated only for those patients with obstructive jaundice who fail endoscopic stent placement, and gastroenterostomy should be reserved for patients with confirmed gastric outlet obstruction.

Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

Potential applications for laparoscopic surgery in pancreatic disease include (1) staging of pancreatic malignancies; (2) palliation of pancreatic malignancies; (3) pancreatic resections for benign and malignant disease; and (4) pancreatic drainage procedures.

METHODS

A review of the literature is presented. In addition, original data on a series of 5 laparoscopic pancreatic distal resections and 10 laparoscopic cystogastrostomies are presented.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy may have a role in the staging of patients with pancreatic malignancies; however, with high-quality preoperative imaging, the percentage of patients who will benefit from laparoscopy may be as low as 5%. For palliation, both cholecystoenterostomy and choledochoenterostomy can be performed laparoscopically. The former is technically straightforward but has a higher failure rate; the latter is technically difficult and currently not suitable for widespread adoption. Laparoscopic gastroenterostomy is a straightforward means of palliating gastrointestinal obstruction. Patients appear to benefit from laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection but not from laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Patients appear to benefit from laparoscopic pseudocyst decompression.

Review article: current treatment and optimal patient management in pancreatic cancer

This review analyses the current state of knowledge and understanding concerning the optimum treatment and therapeutic management of patients who suffer from pancreatic cancer. It outlines recent advances in scientific understanding and assesses their potential future value to clinicians in confronting this disease. Despite a significant expansion in scientific knowledge relating to factors underlying the early development of pancreatic carcinoma, the clinician continues to be restricted to a severely limited therapeutic armoury for this disease. Local therapies (surgery and radiation) are inevitably of limited value in the face of a disease that is normally encountered at a stage where metastasis is already highly developed. Despite such limitations, however, surgery performed in specialist units may be of value for 10-20% of patients, with a 5-year survival rate in such units of between 10 and 24%. This may be improved even further by appropriate use of adjuvant treatment. The advanced stage of the disease when normally encountered emphasizes the potential value of systemic treatment in this therapeutic area. Unfortunately systemic treatment (chemotherapy) has been found to be ineffective to date in significantly extending survival, with a low rate and duration of remission being identified in most trials. The challenge for both the health service and the pharmaceutical industry is to harness recent and future developments in scientific knowledge to the practical benefit of clinicians. Where cure is possible it should be vigorously pursued; where it is not, in this field above all others, clinicians have a duty of care. To achieve this it is necessary to abandon the therapeutic nihilism that has characterized the attitudes of clinicians towards this disease in the past. It is time that such nihilism was replaced by a recognition of the challenges and the opportunities available to clinicians in enhancing the quantity and quality of life available to patients. The dictum of 'curing whenever possible but caring always' should be the future therapeutic philosophy used to guide clinicians in this important and rapidly changing therapeutic area.

Outcome of palliative biliary and gastric bypass surgery for pancreatic head carcinoma in 126 patients

BACKGROUND

Recent reports of decreased morbidity and mortality following palliative surgery for patients with irresectable pancreatic head carcinoma prompted a review of the results in 126 patients (median age 64 (range 39-90) years) who had undergone palliative biliary and gastric bypass surgery.

METHODS

The indication for surgical palliation was the finding of an irresectable tumour at laparotomy (n = 44), failure of endoscopic treatment (n = 43), clinical symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction (n = 28) and miscellaneous (n = 11). Biliary and gastric bypass was performed in 118 patients, biliary bypass alone in six and gastrojejunostomy alone in two. The indication for gastrojejunostomy was symptoms in 28 patients (23 per cent) and prophylaxis in 92 patients (77 per cent).

RESULTS

Postoperative local complications occurred in 17 per cent of patients, general complications in 10 per cent and delayed gastric emptying in 14 per cent of patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 1 per cent and overall hospital mortality rate 2 per cent. Median hospital stay was 17 (range 5-80) days. Median overall postoperative survival was 190 (range 14-830) days. Late obstructive gastrointestinal symptoms occurred in 14 patients (11 per cent) after a median of 141 (range 21-356) days.

CONCLUSION

Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy combined with gastrojejunostomy offers effective palliation for irresectable pancreatic head cancer and can be performed with low mortality and acceptable morbidity rates.

The management of patients with advanced cancer (II)

In this second article in the series, obstruction of hollow viscera in patients with advanced malignant disease is discussed. The obstruction of such structures can be associated with the development of painful and incapacitating symptoms, often in patients who have a limited life expectancy. This obstruction may be caused by the primary tumour, compression from adjacent tumour-draining lymph nodes, the presence of metastases distant from the site of the primary tumour or to adhesions within the abdominal compartment (usually as a result of previous surgery). The organs most often affected are the oesophagus, the intestine (small and large), the biliary tree and the genito-urinary tract. Obstruction of each of these organs and its management is discussed in more detail below.

Randomized trial of three types of gastrojejunostomy in unresectable periampullary cancer

BACKGROUND

A gastrojejunostomy with duodenal partition was designed to clarify whether so-called circulus vomiting exists and, if so, its clinical significance, by comparing it with two other types of gastrojejunostomy commonly used for gastric bypass in unresectable periampullary cancer.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with unresectable periampullary cancer complicated by gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) were recruited into this study between May 1992 and November 1995. They were randomized to receive one of the three types of gastrojejunostomy. The anastomosis in type I gastrojejunostomy was performed at the jejunum 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. Type II was similar to type I except that in type II a duodenum partition was done by linear stapler 1 cm beyond the pylorus. Type III gastrojejunostomy was performed at the Roux-limb jejunum 60 cm distal to biliojejunostomy.

RESULTS

"Food reentry" was noted in three (21%) of the type I patients, as determined by upper gastrointestinal (UGI) study. Of the three, one patient had severe circulus vomiting, one had anorexia, and one had no major symptoms. When patients were evaluated immediately after oral diet intake resumed, the incidence (27%) of clinical GOO symptoms and mean value of gastric emptying time (GET1/2, 118.1 +/- 39.2 min) were significantly lower in type II patients than in types I and III patients. When evaluated I month after operation, the incidence (7% and 17%, respectively) of clinical symptoms of GOO and mean value of GET1/2 (42.0 +/- 23.0 and 35.6 +/- 5.4 min, respectively) were significantly lower in both type II and type III patients than in type I patients. The type II patients resumed oral diet after operation 3.5 days earlier than type I patients, p < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulus vomiting induced by food reentry does exist if the gastrojejunostomy is performed as the type I gastrojejunostomy in this study. The newly designed type II gastrojejunostomy with duodenal partition is an easy, safe, and effective gastric bypass and avoids the problem of food reentry.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy

OBJECTIVE

Although surgical biliary bypass for nonresectable periampullary tumors is superior to endoscopic stent placement, the latter has become popular because of the "minimally invasive" approach. Laparoscopic biliary bypass would appear to offer the advantages of both. However, this technique remains technically difficult using existing instrumentation. This study investigates the efficacy of a new endoscopic device designed for rapidly completing a small-diameter intestinal anastomosis under laparoscopic guidance.

METHODS

Eighteen female pigs (mean weight 35 kg, range 31 to 44) were randomly divided into three groups: animals undergoing handsewn (group H) or instrumental transient endoluminally stented anastomosis (TESA; groups P and D) laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy. For TESA two different reabsorbable stents were used, polyglycolic acid (PGA; group P) and polyurethane ester (Degrapol; group D). Blood chemistry, weight gain, and abdominal X-rays were taken weekly to document any possible migration or reabsorption of the radio-opaque stents. After 3 months, necropsy was performed. Patency of the biliary bypass and choledochojejunostomy were examined using fluoroscopy and measured by introducing graduated dilators into the anastomosis.

RESULTS

Fluoroscopy revealed immediate passage of contrast through the anastomosis in all animals. Weight gain, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase were within normal range in all groups. Diameter of the bile duct (group H 10.7 +/- 2.9 mm/group P 9.5 +/- 3.6 mm/group D 11.0 +/- 4.6 mm) and choledochojejunostomy (group H 4.5 +/- 1.1 mm/group P 4.7 +/- 1.8 mm/group D 3.6 +/- 1.9 mm) did not differ. The time required to complete the biliary bypass was significantly decreased when TESA was applied (group H 152 +/- 13 min/group P 86 +/- 14 min, P <0.001/group D 110 +/- 20 min, P <0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Applying TESA, laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy can be performed rapidly and safely, revealing good bypass function over a period of 3 months. With regard to treatment for nonresectable periampullary tumors, TESA may offer a new therapeutic approach combining the benefits of minimally invasive endoscopic stent placement with the functional results and lower readmission of conventional Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy.

Cost-effective analysis of surgical palliation versus endoscopic stenting in the management of unresectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Ductal carcinoma of the pancreas is unresectable for cure in the majority of patients. We reviewed our results and cost effectiveness of surgical and endoscopic biliary bypass for unresectable pancreatic cancer to evaluate the comparable outcomes.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 1992, 136 patients were managed operatively or endoscopically for pancreatic carcinoma. Excluding potentially curative resections and patients without follow-up, 34 patients endoscopically stented and 32 patients surgically bypassed were evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was older (72.1 vs. 69.3 years) but average performance status was comparable (0.8 vs. 0.9 Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grading) in the medical treatment group. The initial hospital stay was significantly longer for surgical patients (mean 14 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001), with higher average charges ($18,325 vs. $9,663). Twelve stented patients required rehospitalization (average charge of $4,029), and eight surgical patients were readmitted (average charge of $6,776). An average of 1.7 stent changes (average charge $1,190) were required. Mean survival was longer for the stented group (9.7 vs. 7.3 months, p = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic stenting for unresectable pancreatic cancer provides equivalent duration of survival at reduced cost and shorter hospital stay, although subsequent stent changes are necessary. When curative resection is not possible, endoscopic biliary drainage should be considered a good first choice for palliative management.

Sutured or fibrin-glued laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy

Minimally invasive techniques for choledochojejunostomy offer theoretical advantages for palliating unresectable periampullary neoplasms. Fibrin glue, a biologic adhesive containing concentrated fibrinogen, may obviate suturing and promote healing without stricture formation. We examined the technical ability to perform laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy (LCJ) and the applicability of thrombin-activated fibrin glue in an animal model of biliary obstruction. Domestic pigs underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and ligation of the distal bile duct. Three days later, a side-to-side LCJ was performed by intracorporeal sutured anastomosis (n = 7) or using four stay sutures and homologous fibrin glue (n = 7). Control animals underwent a similar bypass via open laparotomy (n = 7). The postoperative interval to ambulation and oral intake was recorded, and serial serum liver enzymes were measured. The animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks, and tensile strength of the anastomoses was assessed by tensometry. Liver function tests returned to normal values within 7 days following all methods of choledochojejunostomy. In the fibrin glue group, three anastomotic leaks (43%) occurred in the 1st postoperative week. At 6 weeks, all other anastomoses were intact and patent by cholangiogram, but there was moderate stenosis of two open and one fibrin-glue anastomosis. The sutured LCJ, while taking approximately 1 h longer to perform (P < 0.05), resulted in similar efficacy and more rapid recovery (P < 0.05) than open biliary-enteric bypass. Fibrin-glued LCJ was performed rapidly, but had less tensile strength (P < 0.05) and often leaked in the early post-operative interval. We conclude that while there may be a role for laser-activated solders for primary anastomosis, thrombin-activated fibrinogen cannot be advocated as the primary means of creating biliary anastomoses. Using intracorporeal suturing techniques, laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy may be performed safely.

Endoscopic biliary stenting in a district general hospital

During a 48 month period to December 1990, 367 patients, median age 75 years, with obstructive jaundice caused by common bile duct stones (201), malignant biliary obstruction (148), and benign biliary strictures (18), underwent therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Endoscopic biliary stenting and drainage was achieved in 343 of 367 patients attempted (93%), seven patients requiring a combined percutaneous endoscopic approach. Endoscopic stenting failed in 24 patients because of malignant duodenal infiltration (10), Billroth 2 gastrectomy (6), tight and extensive biliary strictures (6), peripapillary diverticulum (1), and technical failure (1). Prolonged follow up was available in 91% (311 of 343). The 30 day mortality was 5% (17 of 343), which included two procedure related deaths (0.6%) from fulminant pancreatitis and major sphincterotomy site bleeding. Early complications occurred in 14% (48 of 343) and late complications occurred in 11.9% (35 of 294) patients, as of the original 343, 17 had died within 30 days and another 32 were lost to follow up. Eighty patients with incomplete bile duct clearance and eight patients with benign biliary strictures had biliary stents inserted for 12-48 months (median 30). Endoscopic biliary stenting services are necessary in a district general hospital with technical success, death and morbidity rates comparable to other studies.

Cystic duct patency in malignant obstructive jaundice. An ERCP-based study relevant to the role of laparoscopic cholecystojejunostomy

OBJECTIVE

This endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-(ERCP)based study estimates the potential role of laparoscopic cholecystojejunostomy for palliation of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Traditional treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice has used a standard bilioenteric anastomosis. Laparoscopic biliary bypass via a gallbladder conduit currently is an established technique; it provides a low initial morbidity alternative to open procedures, similar to endoscopic stenting. No study has specifically addressed anatomic factors relevant to cholecystojejunostomy, such as prior cholecystectomy, stricture location in reference to the hepatocystic junction, and cystic duct patency in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice.

METHODS

Retrograde cholangiograms were reviewed from consecutive patients with malignant obstructive jaundice and a control group without biliary disease who underwent ERCP during a 2-year period. Patients with either prior biliary surgery or hilar tumors were excluded. The presence of gallbladder or cystic duct filling was assessed. In patients with patent cystic ducts, the distance from obstruction to the cystic duct takeoff was classified as either greater or less than 1 cm.

RESULTS

Nearly half the patients with malignant obstructive jaundice were ineligible for cholecystojejunostomies because of prior biliary surgery (29%) or hilar tumors (17%). Half (50 of 101) of the remaining potential candidates had patent hepatocystic junctions. Patients with ampullary carcinoma and patent hepatocystic junctions (5 of 9) were all ideal candidates for cholecystojejunostomies, having biliary obstruction more than 1 cm from the cystic duct takeoff. Two thirds of the remaining eligible patients (28 of 45) had obstructions less than 1 cm from patent hepatocystic junctions.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliation of malignant obstructive jaundice by laparoscopic cholecystojejunostomy should only be attempted after direct cholangiography demonstrates a patent hepatocystic junction that is well separated from the malignant stricture. The majority of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice are ineligible for cholecystojejunostomies because of prior cholecystectomies, hilar obstructions, or tumor involvement of the hepatocystic junction. Nonoperative treatments will continue to be indicated for the majority of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice.

Randomised trial of endoscopic stenting versus surgical bypass in malignant low bileduct obstruction

The development of non-surgical techniques for the relief of malignant low bileduct obstruction has cast doubt on the best way of relieving jaundice, particularly in patients fit for surgery whose life expectancy is more than a few weeks. We did a randomised prospective controlled trial comparing endoscopic stent insertion and surgical biliary bypass in patients with malignant low bileduct obstruction. 204 patients were randomised (surgery 103, stent 101); 3 subsequently proved to have benign disease and were excluded, leaving 101 surgical and 100 stented patients for assessment. Technical success was achieved in 94 surgical and 95 stented patients, with functional biliary decompression obtained in 92 patients in both groups. In stented patients, there was a lower procedure-related mortality (3% vs 14%, p = 0.01), major complication rate (11% vs 29%, p = 0.02), and median total hospital stay (20 vs 26 days, p = 0.001). Recurrent jaundice occurred in 36 stented patients and 2 surgical patients. Late gastric outlet obstruction occurred in 17% of stented patients and 7% of the surgical group. Despite the early benefits of stenting there was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups (median survival: surgical 26 weeks; stented 21 weeks; p = 0.065). Endoscopic stenting and surgery are effective palliative treatments with the former having fewer early treatment-related complications and the latter fewer late complications.

Pancreatic cancer palliation: using tumor stage to select appropriate operation

To assess the effect of tumor stage on the surgical palliation of pancreatic cancer, 350 cancers from 74 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) hospitals from 1987 to 1991 were staged from pathologic and operative data, then grouped by initial surgery: biliary bypass only (BO), gastric bypass only (GO), or combined biliary and gastric bypass (BG). Re-operations were recorded as later gastric and/or biliary bypass: Stages I-II (local disease): BO (n = 52)--6 later gastric (12%), 3 later biliary (6%); BG (n = 60)--3 later gastric (5%); 3 later biliary (5%). Stage III (positive nodes): BO (n = 26)--1 later gastric (4%); BG (n = 35)--1 later gastrobiliary bypass (3%). Stage IV (metastases): BO (n = 71)--3 later gastric (4%), 3 later biliary (4%); BG (n = 70)--2 later gastrobiliary bypass (3%). GO (all stages): (n = 41)--1 later gastric (2%), 4 later biliary (10%). Using a two-factor ANOVA comparing survival by stage and original surgery, we found that stage had a significant effect on survival (p = 0.0001), but the type of initial bypass operation had no effect. Re-operation after palliative pancreatic cancer surgery was necessary in less than 5% of patients with BG. Initial BG reduced the incidence of re-operation for patients with jaundice and without metastatic disease, and may also benefit patients with gastric obstruction alone. Patients with jaundice who have peritoneal or liver metastases can be treated effectively with BO if they have no symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction.

Guidelines for the application of surgery and endoprostheses in the palliation of obstructive jaundice in advanced cancer of the pancreas

OBJECTIVE

This study was set up to identify patient-related factors favoring the application of either surgery or endoprostheses in the palliation of obstructive jaundice in subsets of patients with cancer of the head of the pancreas or periampullary region.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

In the palliation of obstructive jaundice, surgical biliodigestive anastomosis has traditionally been performed. Surgical biliary bypass is associated with high mortality (15% to 30%) and morbidity rates (20% to 60%) but little recurrent obstructive jaundice (0% to 15%). Biliary drainage with endoscopically placed endoprostheses has a lower complication rate, but recurrent obstructive jaundice is seen in up to 20% to 50% of patients.

METHODS

Patients with advanced cancer of the head of the pancreas or periampullary region treated at the University Hospital Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, between 1980 and 1990 were reviewed. In 148 patients, data were compared concerning the morbidity and hospital stay after the palliation of obstructive jaundice with endoscopic endoprostheses or surgical biliary bypasses. These patients were stratified for long (> 6 months) and short (< 6 months) survival times.

RESULTS

In short-term survivors, the higher late morbidity rates after endoprostheses were offset by higher early morbidity rates and longer hospital stays after the surgical bypass. In long-term survivors, there was no difference in the hospital stay between the two groups, but the late morbidity rate was significantly higher in the endoprosthesis group.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that endoscopic endoprosthesis is the optimal palliation for patients surviving less than 6 months and surgical biliary bypass for those surviving more than 6 months. This policy necessitates the development of prognostic criteria, which were obtained by Cox proportional-hazards survival analysis. Advanced age, male sex, liver metastases, and large diameters of tumors were unfavorable prognostic factors. With these factors, the risk of short- or long-term survival can be predicted. It is hoped that the application of these data may allow a rational approach toward optimal palliative treatment of this form of malignant obstructive jaundice.