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Background Data have indicated that the lymph node ratio ( LNR) may be a better prognostic indicator than lymph node status in pancreatic cancer. Objectives To analyse the value of the LNR in patients undergoing resection for periampullary carcinomas. Methods A cut off value of 0.2 was assigned to the LNR in accordance with published studies. The impact of histopathological factors including a LNR was analysed using Kaplan- Meier and Cox regression methods. Results In total, 551 patients undergoing a resection ( January 2000 to December 2010) were analysed. The median lymph node yield was 15, and 198 (34%) patients had a LNR > 0.2. In patients with a LNR of > 0.2, the median overall survival ( OS) was 18 versus 33 months in patients with an LNR < 0.2 ( P < 0.001). Univariate analysis demonstrated a LNR > 0.2, T and N stage, vascular or perineural invasion, grade and resection margin status to be significantly associated with OS. On multivariate analysis, only a LNR > 0.2, vascular or perineural invasion and margin positivity remained significant. In N1 disease, a LNR was able to distinguish survival in patients with a similar lymph node burden, and correlated with more aggressive tumour pathological variables. Conclusion A LNR > 0.2, and not lymph note status, is an independent prognostic factor for OS indicating the LNR should be utilized in outcome stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The management of asymptomatic pancreatic cysts is controversial and indications for excision are based on pathology and natural history. Objectives: This study aimed to examine outcomes of asymptomatic lesions using a protocol based on size and cyst fluid analysis. Methods: Asymptomatic cysts were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Sequential cross-sectional imaging studies were assessed, and results of endoscopic ultrasound-guided aspiration were co-analysed. Results: A total of 338 asymptomatic patients underwent evaluation. Overall, 84 cysts were <1.5 cm and 254 were ≥1.5 cm in diameter. Median patient follow-up was 5.1 years [interquartile range (IQR): 4.1-6.9 years]. In the group in which cysts measured <1.5 cm in diameter, median cyst size was 1.0 cm (IQR: 0.6-1.2 cm) at presentation and increased to 1.2 cm (IQR: 0.7-1.6 cm) during follow-up. Five (6.0%) patients underwent resection, all within 2 months of presentation. In the group in which cysts measured ≥1.5 cm in diameter, median cyst size was 2.5 cm (IQR: 2.0-3.4 cm) at presentation and increased to 2.7 cm (IQR: 3.0-4.2 cm). A total of 63 (24.8%) patients underwent resection. Surgery was performed with 2 months in 53 (84.1%) patients, within 12 months in four (6.3%) patients and at >12 months post-presentation in six (9.5%) patients. A total of 70.6% of resected specimens were identified as malignancies or mucinous lesions. Conclusions: Asymptomatic cysts of <1.5 cm in diameter can safely be followed by imaging and are expected to undergo little change. A quarter of all asymptomatic cysts measuring ≥1.5 cm are appropriately resected based on imaging and cyst fluid analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]