Survival 13 years after pancreatectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas.

In dealing with a lethal disease such as cancer of the pancreas, an all out attack is necessary for an early lesion. The general trend seems to be toward radical en bloc resections, usually, but not always, with a total pancreatectomy. A digestive supplement with a higher proportion of lipase provides better nutrition. Diabetes can be controlled in patients with no pancreas. Reports of long-term survivors should be better documented as to details of previous reporting, care, procedure and pathology.