[Carcinoma of the head of the pancreas--diagnosis, surgical indications and results (author's transl)].

UNLABELLED

89 cases of pancreatic or periampullary carcinoma were analysed and the following problems discussed: 1.

DIAGNOSIS

"early" diagnosis is at present impossible--not even with E.R.C.P. or angiography, although these provide valuable information for planning the operation. 2. Indication for operation: a curative resection was possible in only 20% of cases. The apparent advantages of total pancreatectomy as against the conventional Whipple operation (increased radicality and reduced post-op. complications) have not yet paid off in terms of improved long-term survival. 3.

RESULTS

in 46 pancreato-duodenectomies (for carcinoma as well as complicated chronic pancreatitis) the operative and hospital mortality was 4.3%.