[The role of full length superior mesenteric artery isolation in extended pancreaticoduodenectomy in the treatment of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in the uncinate process].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the prognosis and safety of extended pancreaticoduodenectomy for patients with pancreatic cancer in the uncinate process of pancreas.

METHODS

From January 2004 to March 2008, 26 extended pancreaticoduodenectomies with full length superior mesenteric artery (SMA) isolation and mesentery root resection were performed for the ductal adenocarcinomas in the uncinate process of pancreas. There were 16 males and 10 females aging from 30 to 75 years old [medium age (55.0 +/- 13.0) years old]. Eleven of 26 patients were combined with portal vein-superior mesenteric vein resection. The effect and safety of this procedure were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

There was no operative mortality in all patients. The pathological examination showed that all the incisal margins were negative. After a follow-up of 7 to 45 months, the pain relief was occurred in all patients. The 1-year, 2-year accumulated survival rates were 72.2%, and 48.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Full length SMA isolation and the mesentery resection in extended pancreaticoduodenectomy are safe and effective. The procedure is also benefit for the patients in improving the survival rate and quality of life.