Total pancreatectomy for the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms

Abstract

Background: Total pancreatectomy (TP) is an operation that has long been associated with high morbidity and mortality, and rarely advocated for treatment of pancreatic tumours. Because of the improvements in diabetes management, there has been renewed interest in TP for treatment of pancreatic neoplasm, with a need to reassess outcomes. Methods: Fifteen patients (9%) underwent TP in a single Australian high-volume tertiary institution between August 2005 and January 2012. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was performed in 150 patients during the same time period. Indications and peri-operative outcomes of patients were compared. Results: TP was performed for treatment of malignancy in 13 (87%) ca..