DOES THE EXTENT OF LYMPH-NODE DISSECTION AFFECT MORBIDITY AND PROGNOSIS AFTER RESECTION OF THE HEAD OF PANCREAS DUE TO DUCTAL OR PERIAMPULLARY PANCREATIC-CARCINOMA

We examined the influence of lymph node dissection on morbidity and mo rtality of 13 patients after resection of the head of pancreas due to a ductal or periampullary carcinoma. In both groups the radicality of the operation was the main prognostic factor. In ductal pancreatic car cinoma the R-status was able to be determined better by normalisation of the postoperative Ca 19-9 serum level than by the evaluation of the surgeon or pathologist. For prognosis, the quotient of metastatic lym ph nodes to resected lymph nodes indicates that an extensive lymph nod e dissection may increase the long term survival. A lymph node dissect ion is therefore to be recommended, especially since it does not incre ase the rate of postoperative complications.