[Pancreatoduodenectomy: results in a large volume center].

OBJECTIVE

Analyze the experience with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) at the INCMNSZ.

BACKGROUND DATA: PD has become a popular procedure in hospitals throughout the USA and Europe in the last 25 years, where mortality is < 5% y morbidity remains around 40%. Nonetheless there are very few reports on PD in Latin America.

METHODS

The data of all PD's performed at the INCMNSZ between 1999 and 2005 was gathered prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

133 PDs where performed; 47.5% where men and 52.5% where women. Median of age was 57.7 years. 81.5% underwent classical resection and 18.5% a pylorus preserving procedure. Intraoperative variables include: blood loss: 940 mL. (1,000). transfusion requirements: 1.9 U, median operative time: 5:49 (+/- 1:02) and median hospital stay: 14 days. Most frequent diagnosis include ampulary adenocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer Mortality in the entire series was 9.2%, decreased to 2.7% in the 2002-2005 period and from April 2003 has remained in 0. A total of 14 portal-superior mesenteric vein resections where performed.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge this is the largest series of PD in Latin America. Popularity and indications for PD are expanding. Mortality is acceptable and morbidity remains high despite much effort. This procedure is performed with a satisfactory outcome in high volume centers. Involvement of the portal-superior mesenteric vein is not a contraindication of PD.