A retrospective study of carcinoma of the pancreas with special reference to the results of surgical treatment.

469 patients treated for carcinoma of the pancreas in the County of Stockholm in 1963--73 were analysed for mean survival time, mean hospital-stay, post-operative complications and mortality. The results of treatment with palliative biliary by-pass procedures and radical surgery were compared. The mean survival time after by-pass operation was 5,7 months and after radical surgery 12,8 months. The mean hospital-stay was 39 and 83 days respectively. The post-operative mortality after palliative biliary by-pass procedures was 16%, and the frequence of major post-operative complications 10%. The corresponding figures after radical surgery were 25% and 30% respectively. Despite the longer survival time, it is doubtful if patients benefit from radical surgery.