Abstract:

Pancreaticoduodenectomy, mostly performed for pancreatic cancer, has been associated with considerable morbidity rates (40%-60%) and mortality rates (20%-30%). Even after resection, the prognosis is poor, and as a result some physicians have kept a nihilistic approach; Gudjonsson concluded in his review that pancreatic resections are a waste of resources. During the last decade, mortality rates have decreased dramatically to less than 5% in centers with experrence, and have led to a more optimistic view in favor of resection.

Authors:

Rutger C.I. Van Geenen, M.D., Dirk J. Gouma, M.D.

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