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Objectives: SuPAR (soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor) is a biomarker reflecting the inflammatory state of the human body. Earlier studies suggest that urinary suPAR/creatinine ratio levels are elevated in chronic pancreatitis (CP), and that plasma suPAR (P-suPAR) level is elevated in pancreatic cancer (PC). Our aim was to study the levels of P-suPAR in CP in a long-term prospective follow-up setting to explore the possibility of distinguishing between PC and CP., Materials and Methods: Two patient groups were compared. The first group included 83 patients who were prospectively followed up after their first acute alcohol-induced pancreatitis (AAP) for median 7.0 (range 0.3-9.8) years. Twelve patients in this group developed CP during follow-up, and two patients were further excluded from the CP cohort. The second group consisted of 25 patients operated on for suspicion of pancreatic malignancy and final pathological diagnosis of PC. P-suPAR levels were measured and compared within and between these groups., Results: P-suPAR levels remained low during follow-up despite the development of CP. P-suPAR was significantly higher in PC patients [median 3.7 (IQR 3.1-4.4) ng/mL] than in CP patients [2.6 (1.8-3.6) ng/mL]; p  = .014. A cutoff value of 2.8 ng/mL resulted from a ROC curve with area under curve (AUC) of 0.79 (95% CI 0.61-0.97), p  = .009 in differentiation between PC and CP with a sensitivity and a specificity of 88% and 70% respectively., Conclusion: P-suPAR is higher in patients with PC than in patients with CP, and it could thus be used in differentiating between PC and CP.

Introduction: Survival for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is relatively short even after complete resection. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) carries a high risk for postoperative morbidity, and the effect on quality of life (QoL) is unclear. We aimed to study QoL in PDAC patients undergoing PD., Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with suspected PDAC and planned PD were asked to complete EORTC QoL questionnaires QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 preoperatively and at 3-6-12-18-24 months postoperatively., Results: 47 PDAC patients who underwent PD (66 (21-84) years, 53% men) were included. Follow-up was completed by 81% (6 months) and 45% (24 months) post-PD. Compared to preoperative level, QoL tended to improve or remained the same in 63% during the follow-up. At three months after PD patients had less hepatic symptoms (decreased by 100%; p < 0.001), pancreatic pain and sexuality symptoms tended to decrease by 33% and global and functional QoL tended to slightly improve. These parameters remained at the achieved level during the longer follow-up. A temporary rising tendency was seen in digestive symptoms at three months but this later reverted to the preoperative level. More altered bowel movements and sexuality symptoms tended to arise during the longer follow-up. A negative correlation was found between reported financial difficulties and length of survival., Conclusions: PD does not worsen the QoL in most of the patients with PDAC. The potentially beneficial effect on QoL is apparent already at three months after surgery. This information may be helpful for the clinician and patient, when deciding on the treatment for PDAC., (Copyright © 2017 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Distinguishing between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis (CP) is often difficult. Certain (5-6%) CP cases are autoimmune in nature, and these patients respond to corticosteroid treatment, making surgery avoidable. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) among patients operated on for a pancreatic mass with a final histology of CP., Patients and Methods: A total of 33 patients were operated on at the Tampere or Helsinki University Hospital for suspicion of cancer, but with final histopathological diagnosis of CP. The median age was 58 (31-81) years; 26 patients (79%) were male. There were 28 pancreaticoduodenectomes and five left pancreatic resections. Surgical specimens were re-evaluated by experienced pathologists, with representative samples chosen for immunohistochemistry Each sample was scored as positive or negative for immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) independently by two pathologists. Honolulu consensus criteria served for AIP sub-typing., Results: Out of the 33 specimens, 10 (30%) were positive for IgG4. Histopathological re-evaluation of these revealed all to be type 1 AIP., Conclusion: The proportion of AIP, according to IgG4-positive immunohistochemistry and histological re-evaluation, was much higher than expected. This suggests that by focusing on diagnosis of AIP preoperatively, certain patients might be treated with corticosteroids and possibly avoid unnecessary surgery., (Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

Background: We sought to define the sensitivity and specificity of intraperitoneal (IP) and intraluminal (IL) microdialysate metabolites in depicting ex vivo small intestinal total ischemia during GI-tract surgery. We hypothesized that IL as opposed to IP microdialysis detects small intestinal ischemia with higher sensitivity and specificity., Methods: IL and IP microdialysate lactate, pyruvate, glucose and glycerol were analysed from small intestine of pancreaticoduodenectomy patients before and after occluding the mesenteric vasculature and routine resection of a segment of small intestine. Ex vivo time sequences of microdialysate metabolites were described and ROC analyses after 0-30, 31-60, 61-90 and 91-120 minutes after the onset ischemia were calculated., Results: IL lactate to pyruvate ratio (L/P ratio) indicated ischemia after 31-60 minutes with 0.954 ROC AUC (threshold: 109) in contrast to IP L/P (ROC AUC of 0.938 after 61-90 minutes, threshold: 18). At 31-60 minutes IL glycerol concentration indicated ischemia with 0.903 ROC AUCs (thresholds: 69 μmol/l). IP glycerol was only moderately indicative for ischemia after 91-120 minutes with 0,791 ROC AUCs (threshold 122 μmol/l). After 31-60 minutes IL and IP lactate to glucose ratios (L/G ratio) indicated ischemia with 0.956 and 0,942 ROC AUCs (thresholds: 48,9 and 0.95), respectively., Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that intraluminal application of microdialysis and metabolic parameters from the small intestinal lumen indicate onset of ischemia earlier than intraperioneal microdialysis with higher sensitivity and specificity.

Objective: Differential diagnosis between benign and potentially malignant cystic pancreatic lesions may be difficult. Previously we have compared cyst fluid serine protease inhibitor Kazal type I (SPINK1) with some traditionally used tumour markers (amylase, CEA, Ca19-9) and found that it may be a new promising maker in the differential diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions. In the present study, we focused on cyst fluid SPINK1 levels in benign and potentially malignant cystic pancreatic lesions., Design: Sixty-one patients operated on for cystic pancreatic lesion in Tampere University Hospital, Finland and in Verona University Hospital, Italy, were included. Cyst fluid was aspirated during surgery, stored at -70 °C, and analysed with immunofluorometric assay for SPINK1. The final diagnosis was acute pancreatitis with fluid collection (Acute FC) in 4 patients, chronic pseudocyst (PS) in 17 patients, serous cystadenoma (SCA) in 7 patients, mucinous cystadenoma (MCA) in 21 patients and intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) in 12 patients (9 main/mixed duct type and 3 branch duct type)., Results: The acute FC patients had high SPINK1 levels. Among chronic cysts, SPINK1 levels were significantly higher in patients with potentially malignant cysts (main/mixed duct IPMN and MCA) than with benign cysts (side branch IPMN and SCA), (median and range, [480 (13-3602) vs. 18 (0.1-278) μg/L]; p < 0.0001). In the subcohort of 24 patients with <3 cm chronic cyst, cyst fluid SPINK 1 levels were significantly lower in SCA or side branch IPMN (3 [2-116] μg/L) than in main duct IPMN or MCA (638 [66-3602] μg/L; p = 0.018). The best sensitivity and specificity to differentiate any size MCA or main/mixed type IPMN from SCA or side branch IPMN were 85% and 84% (AUC 0.94; cut-off value 118 μg/L). The best sensitivity and specificity to differentiate <3 cm MCA or main duct IPMN from SCA or side branch IPMN were 93% and 89% (AUC 0.98; cut-off value 146 μg/L)., Conclusions: Cyst fluid SPINK1 may be a possible marker in the differential diagnosis of benign and potentially malignant cystic pancreatic lesions., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background and Aims: Distal pancreatectomy is the only effective treatment for cancers of the pancreatic body and tail. The recurrence rate after DP has remained high. In an effort to over-come this problem, we developed a no-touch surgical technique for DP. This is a pilot study to see if distal pancreatectomy can be technically done using a no-touch surgical technique with-out deteriorating the post-operative prognosis., Patients and Methods: From November 2000 through May 2011, 16 pancreatic ductal adeno-carcinoma patients have been operated on using a no-touch technique by a single operator. We described the surgical technique, and we reported our preliminary experience. During the procedure, the pancreatic body and tail is neither grasped nor squeezed by the surgeon. And all drainage vessels from the pancreatic body and tail are ligated and divided during the early phase of the operation. Furthermore, for improved dissection of the retroperitoneal tissue (rightward and posterior margins), we use a hanging and clamping maneuver and dissection behind Gerota's fascia., Results: In the current series, the posterior and rightward resection margins were free in all patients, although seven were positive for anterior serosal invasion. The post-operative prognosis was not deteriorated with this technique., Conclusion: No-touch distal pancreatectomy technique may have some theoretical advantages, which merit future investigation in randomized controlled trials.

Background: Pancreatoduodenectomy is the only effective treatment for cancers of the periampullary region. Because surgeons usually grasp tumors during pancreatoduodenectomy, this procedure may increase the risk of squeezing and shedding the cancer cells into the portal vein, retroperitoneum, and/or peritoneal cavity. In an effort to overcome these problems, we have developed a surgical technique for no-touch pancreatoduodenectomy., Methods: From March 2005 through May 2008, 42 patients have been operated on following this technique. Resected margins were microscopically analyzed., Results: We describe a technique for pancreatoduodenectomy using a no-touch isolation technique. We resect cancers with wrapping them within Gerota's fascia and transect the retroperitoneal margin along the right surface of the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta without grasping tumors., Conclusions: No-touch pancreatoduodenectomy has many potential advantages that merit further investigation in future randomized controlled trials., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Since the prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor in spite of surgical and drug therapy, the focus should be on the prevention and early detection of the disease. In Europe, smoking accounts for up to 30% of pancreatic cancers, and heavy drinking increases the risk of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Diabetes can be a risk factor for pancreatic cancer and constitute its initial symptom. Obesity and low physical activity are linked to the risk of pancreatic cancer. An increased risk of pancreatic cancer is also associated with a hereditary inflammation, cystic fibrosis, and with part of cystic tumors of the pancreas.

Previous experimental studies have shown that multiple puncturing and stitching of the pancreas results in an increased pancreatic injury response. Furthermore, post-operative pancreatitis, which still is a largely under-diagnosed condition, appears to be an important mediator of many post-operative complications after pancreatic head resection. Stenting has been suggested to improve both short-term and long-term outcome after pancreaticojejunostomy. We have recently developed a biodegradable, radiopaque self-expanding stent, which has experimentally been shown suitable for pancreatobiliary applications. In this pilot study we tested the new technique for pancreatico-jejunostomy in 3 patients. In this novel anastomosis technique with a biodegradable stent the pancreatic stump is first sunk into the jejunum and tightened with a purse string in the bowel serosa, without any stitches through the pancreatic tissue, and the patency of the pancreatic duct is secured with a biodegradable stent against the compression of the tightened purse-string. The creation of anastomosis was possible as planned in all 3 patients. They all recovered without complications. The stent was seen in x-ray in all 3 during hospitilization, was found to have disappeared by 1 month in 2 patients, but was still in place at 3 months in 1 patient. The initial experiences described herein encourage progression to a phase I safety study, and later possibly to a phase II randomized trial to test the efficacy of the new method.

The aim of this study was to prospectively analyze the possible association of delayed gastric emptying and postoperative pancreatic complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Although hospital mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy is minimal, morbidity is still high; delayed gastric emptying is one of the most frequent complications. Thirty-nine consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were included in this study: 14 females and 25 males (median age 65 years; range, 7-82). Delayed gastric emptying was defined as the need for a nasogastric tube or recurrent vomiting that prevented normal feeding on the 10th postoperative day. Blood analysis was performed on postoperative days 4, 6, and 10; Gastrografin examination on day 6; CT scan on days 2 and 5; and drain amylases were measured on day 5. Pancreatitis was defined as pancreatitis changes in CT scan interpreted by an experienced radiologist without knowing other data. Pancreatic fistula was defined according to the recent international recommendations. We had no mortality. Twelve patients (31%) developed delayed gastric emptying. Surgical (9/12 vs. 5/27; P = 0.001) but not medical complications occurred more often in the delayed gastric emptying group. Of the single complications, postoperative CT-detected pancreatitis (6/12 vs. 4/27; P = 0.03) and postoperative pancreatic fistula (5/12 vs. 1/27; P = 0.0007) were significantly associated with delayed gastric emptying compared with the patients without delayed gastric emptying. This pancreatitis was already detected in CT scan on day 2 in most patients (6/10, 60%). In delayed gastric emptying patients, the only parameters in blood analysis that differed significantly from patients without this complication were serum amylase activity (mean +/- SEM, 715 +/- 205 vs. 152 +/- 70 IU/L; P = 0.02), blood leukocyte count (16 +/- 2 vs. 9 +/- 0.6 x 10(9)/L; P = 0.007) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration (144 +/- 28 vs. 51 +/- 14 mg/L, P = 0.01). Postoperative pancreatic (subclinical) fistula was also associated with postoperative pancreatitis (6/10 vs. 0/29; P = 0.003). Preoperative coronary artery disease (OR = 16; 95% CI, 1.0-241; P = 0.05) and soft pancreatic texture at operation (OR = 9; 95% CI, 1.4-52; P = 0.02) were significant risk factors for the development of postoperative pancreatitis. The diagnosis of delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy often follows postoperative pancreatitis. Delayed gastric emptying is also associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula, for which this pancreatitis seems to be a risk factor. Preoperative coronary artery disease and soft texture of the pancreas are significant risk factors for postoperative CT-detected pancreatitis.

The number of small and often asymptomatic cystic lesions detected in pancreas has increased during the last decade. Historically the vast majority of the pancreatic cystic lesions were considered pseudocysts, but in recent series the incidence of various neoplastic cysts, such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, serous cystadenomas and cystic endocrine tumours, has increased. The possible malignant potential in these cystic neoplasms warrants careful diagnostic workup to choose the optimal treatment for each patient. Patient's age, symptoms and a possible history of acute or chronic pancreatitis with known aetiology together with high quality imaging studies are important in the differential diagnosis between pseudocysts and neoplastic cysts. Endoscopic ultrasound, cyst fluid analysis and positron emission tomography may be used in selected patients, but the accuracy of these methods needs further investigation.

In clinical practice it is important to differentiate pseudocysts from cystic pancreatic tumors, especially potentially malignant mucinous cystic tumors. We investigated three new markers-tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI) and the free alpha and beta subunits of human choriogonadotropin (hCGalpha and hCGbeta, respectively)-in the cyst fluid of patients with cystic pancreatic lesions and compared the concentrations of these markers to those of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19-9, CA 242, CA 125, CA 15-3, alpha-fetoprotein, and tissue polypeptide antigen in order to distinguish benign cysts from malignant cysts. Between 1995 and 2001, a total of 34 patients operated on for cystic pancreatic lesions at Tampere University Hospital were included. Cyst fluid was aspirated at operation and stored at -70 C. The histologic diagnosis was pseudocyst in 23 patients, serous cystadenoma (SCA) in four patients, benign mucinous cystadenoma (MCA) in four patients, cystic papillary neoplasm (CPN) in one patient, glucagonoma in one patient, and malignant endocrine islet cell carcinoma (EC) in one patient. Significantly higher concentrations of TATI were found in patients with MCA and EC (2239 +/- 149 microg/L [mean +/- SEM]) than in patients with pseudocyst (55 +/- 29 microg/L; P=0.001) and in patients with SCA (36 +/- 23 microg/L; P=0.01). The patient with CPN and the patient with glucagonoma had relatively low levels of TATI (30.7 and 46.5 microg/L). Mean CEA was higher in patients with MCA compared to those with pseudocysts (19,993 +/- 9418 vs. 53 +/- 20 microg/L, P=0.002) and SCA (0.4 +/- 0.1 microg/L; P=0.02), but in the patient with malignant EC, the patient with CPN, and the patient with glucagonoma, CEA was normal. HCGalpha, hCGbeta, CA 19-9, CA 242, CA 125, CA 15-3, alpha fetoprotein, and tissue polypeptide antigen could not distinguish between MCA vs. pseudocyst or SCA, because both normal and elevated values were seen in all groups. To our knowledge, this is the first time that TATI has been quantitated in the cyst fluid of patients with cystic pancreatic lesions. It appears to be a potential marker in the differential diagnosis of benign from malignant cystic pancreatic lesions.

Background: Staging of the tumours in the pancreas and periampullary region usually consists of abdominal computed tomography (CT). Laparoscopy is also advocated. Little attention has been paid to extra-abdominal staging. In addition to peritoneal, lymphatic and hepatic metastases, lung metastases are frequently found. The chest CT scan has been demonstrated as better than the plain chest roentgenogram or conventional tomography in demonstrating lung tumours. This study was done to evaluate whether the chest CT scan gives information additional to the plain chest roentgenogram in the staging of pancreatic and periampullary tumours., Methods: Fifty-three patients with a pancreatic or periampullary tumour underwent helical CT scan of the chest in addition to the abdominal CT scan. The CT scans and the chest roentgenograms were read separately without the result of the other being known; the results were compared with each other and with the clinical and operative findings., Results: In the chest CT scan, 7 out of 53 (13%) patients had nodules in the lungs. The chest pathologies were not seen in the chest roentgenogram except for pneumonia in one patient and lung tumours in another (sensitivity of the chest roentgenogram 2/7 = 29%). Liver metastasis, local invasion of the tumour or poor general condition of the patient made lung biopsy or bronchoscopy unnecessary or impossible., Conclusion: Lung metastases seldom appear in patients with pancreatic or periampullary carcinoma without other contraindications for resection, which is why the chest CT scan cannot be recommended in the staging of these tumours for operation.

We sought to develop a biodegradable pancreatic stent that could be easily placed at operation into the human pancreatic duct and the degradation of which could be easily followed up. Spiral-shaped, gamma-sterilized stents were manufactured of 0.4-mm polylactide wire in which there was added 23 weight-% barium sulfate. The biodegradability of the stents was studied in vitro at two different pH values, the first resembling that of pancreatic juice and the other that of bile. The effects of enzymoactivity in the test solution and the composition of the stents (with or without barium addition) also were tested. These kinds of stents have been experimented with in two pilot patients. Degradation of the stents occurred from 24 to 52 weeks of incubation. Alkaline milieu together with the presence of pancreatic enzyme made the stents degrade twice as fast as when either alkaline milieu or enzyme was present. In the milieu resembling pancreatic juice, barium sulfate had no effect on the degradation time. Neither of the pilot patients had any postoperative complications. Biodegradable, x-ray-positive stents degrade faster in pancreatic than in biliary milieu. Their safety and efficacy in human pancreaticojejunal anastomoses need further study.

Background/aims: Pancreaticoenteric leakage is the most important complication after pancreaticoduodenal resection. Bilioenteric leakage, though rarer, may also complicate recovery after pancreaticoduodenal resection. Each of these complications may occur separately or simultaneously and may be treated conservatively or need reoperation. The possible coincidence of these complications has not been studied., Materials and Methods: The case history of 46 patients, who underwent pancreaticoduodenal resection during 1991-1994 at Tampere University Hospital, Finland, was studied retrospectively., Results: Pancreatic fistula occurred in eight patients (17%) and biliary fistula in four (9%). Biliary fistula was more common in the patients with simultaneous pancreatic fistula than in those without, which was also noted when only clinical fistulas were considered. The three patients with both fistulas had soft tissue in the pancreatic resection line, which is more often than those without fistulas. Two of the three patients who were reoperated had pancreatitis at the reoperation., Conclusions: Biliary leakage after pancreaticoduodenal resection occurs usually together with pancreatic leakage. One important cause for those leakages might be postoperative pancreatitis.

Recently, several institutions have reported improved results in the treatment of patients with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. In an attempt to determine whether similar trends could be demonstrated for patients with carcinoma of the body and tail of the pancreas, the records of all 113 patients with an adenocarcinoma of the body or tail of the pancreas treated at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1972 and 1989 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: those diagnosed between 1972 and 1982 (41 patients) and those between 1983 and 1989 (72 patients). No significant differences in tumor stage were observed between the two groups. The proportion of patients who underwent surgery decreased from 68% to 47% (p = 0.02). The number of patients who had bypass operations (15% versus 17%) or pancreatic resection (5% versus 10%) was similar in the two groups, but the proportion of patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy with biopsy only decreased from 49% to 21% (p = 0.002). The postoperative 30-day mortality (7% versus 3%), postoperative morbidity (18% versus 21%), median survival (4 months versus 3 months), and the 1-year survival (8% versus 9%) did not differ significantly between the two groups. One patient survived for 6 years after resection, and another patient is still alive 3 years after resection. Thus, unlike adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas, it appears that treatment results for patients with adenocarcinoma of the body or tail of the pancreas have not improved in recent years, the only change being a decreased need for exploratory laparotomy with biopsy only.

Two patients are described who had an adenocarcinoma at the site of the hepaticojejunostomy 5 and 15 years after pancreaticoduodenectomy for an ampullary adenocarcinoma. Both patients had symptoms and signs of biliary obstruction. Both tumors were identified by upper endoscopy and resected at laparotomy. In both patients the tumor was considered a new primary carcinoma rather than a recurrent or metastatic carcinoma. Evidence to support this was the finding of an intraepithelial component of the tumor in the resection specimens of both patients, the fact that the tumors were on the luminal side of the distal bile duct in both cases, lack of other evidence of recurrent or metastatic tumor, and the time interval between the pancreaticoduodenectomy and the development of the new tumor.

Objective: To see if tumour associated antigens CA 195 and CA 19-9 were able to differentiate between patients with pancreatic carcinoma, and those with chronic pancreatitis or stones in the common bile duct., Design: Prospective, open, clinical study., Setting: 47 patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 38 with chronic pancreatitis diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and 26 with stones in the common bile duct diagnosed and treated by ERCP., Interventions: Samples of serum taken from all patients just before ERCP, and samples of pancreatic juice obtained from 18, 11, and 12 patients, respectively during ERCP., Results: Assay of the two tumour markers in pancreatic juice failed to differentiate between patients with benign and malignant disease. When assayed in serum, however, CA 195 detected those with carcinoma with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 92%, and CA 19-9 with a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 88%. The patients with unresectable tumours had significantly higher concentrations of both markers in serum than patients with resectable tumours (p less than 0.05)., Conclusions: CA 195 and CA 19-9 concentrations in serum are equally successful in differentiating between benign and malignant pancreatic disease. Assay of markers in pancreatic juice does not provide useful diagnostic information.

DNA was analysed by flow cytometry in paraffin-embedded tumour specimens from 58 patients who had undergone resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, to see if there was any correlation between DNA analysis and survival. Because of the poor quality of the DNA histogram five cases were excluded from the analysis of DNA-ploidy and 10 from the analysis of the synthesis phase fraction. Aneuploidy was detected in 11 (21%) of the 53 tumours. Neither aneuploidy nor synthesis phase fraction correlated significantly with size, stage or differentiation of the tumours. The survival of the patients with DNA-aneuploid tumours (median 9 months) did not differ significantly from that of the patients with diploid tumours (median 14 months). Four patients survived for 5 years or longer, two of whom had aneuploid tumours. Synthesis phase fraction did not correlate with survival. Using univariate survival analyses, location of the tumour in the head of the pancreas (p = 0.02), a tumour diameter of less than 3.8 cm (p = 0.003), tumour stages I and II (p = 0.03), and a well differentiated tumour (p = 0.04) correlated with favourable survival. In a Cox's regression analysis, however, only the diameter of the tumour had independent prognostic value. We conclude that DNA analysis by flow cytometry is not helpful in selecting patients with resectable pancreatic carcinoma who will benefit from resection.

Ultrasonography (US), computed axial tomography (CT) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have not improved detection or prognosis of carcinoma of the pancreatic head. We investigated the influence of these imaging techniques on detection, and consequently prognosis of carcinoma of the pancreatic body or tail, where the symptoms are less specific (seldom jaundice or vomiting) and imaging techniques may be more important. Of 139 patients, 29 were treated in 1972-1977, when US, CT and ERCP were not used, 27 in 1978-1980, when US was occasionally performed, and 83 in 1981-1989, when all three methods were common. In 1978-1980 and 1980-1981 correct ante-mortem diagnosis was more common than in 1972-1977, and the diameter and stage of tumour were significantly reduced at laparotomy. The resectability rate was not increased, however, and the incidence of exploratory laparotomy was not reduced. The survival time in the last study period was significantly longer only in the non-operatively treated patients. The reason was not earlier diagnosis, but possibly better general management.

A 61-year-old woman was thought to have a cancer of the head of pancreas on ultrasonography, computed tomography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). At laparotomy, however, the pancreas was normal, and the tumour originated in the inferior vena cava. Histological examination showed a moderately differentiated leiomyosarcoma. The outcome was uneventful after caval resection and reconstruction with a polytetrafluoroethylene (Goretex) patch.

To investigate the effects of surgical and non-surgical palliation of jaundice in unresectable pancreatic carcinoma this retrospective study was performed. Between 1980 and 1983 90 patients were treated of whom 54 (69%) were jaundiced. Of these 36 were treated with biliary bypass (67%), four underwent resection (7%), five were treated by percutaneous drainage (9%) and nine (17%) were in such poor general condition that no treatment for jaundice was possible. Ninety-eight patients were treated between 1984 and 1987 when the initial approach to palliation of jaundice was endoscopic stenting. Transhepatic drainage was used only if stenting failed, and operation only if both non-surgical methods failed. Seventy-two of the 98 patients (73%) were jaundiced, of whom 18 (25%) received a stent placed endoscopically, 11 (15%) underwent transhepatic drainage, 27 (38%) underwent biliary bypass, and 14 (19%) underwent pancreatic resection. Significantly fewer patients in the second group could not be treated because of their poor general condition (n = 2, 3%, p less than 0.02). There were no differences among the methods in overall and 30 day complication rates, or the length of hospital stay, but the late complication rate was 1/63 (2%) for biliary bypass compared with 7/29 (24%) for biliary stenting (p less than 0.001). The difference was because of the high incidence of blockage of the stents causing recurrent jaundice, but the stents could easily be replaced. There was no difference in mortality between the two periods. We conclude that stenting is an acceptable alternative to biliary decompression in the treatment of obstructive jaundice in unresectable pancreatic cancer.