Resectability and prognosis of carcinoma of the pancreas evaluated by angiography

Results of angiographic examination of the pancreas were correlated with resectability and survival of 116 patients with verified carcinoma of the pancreas or the periampullary region. Complete inextirpability and extremely short survival were correlated with encasement of extrapancreatic arteries. In patients with encasement of the gastroduodenal artery, extirpation of the tumor, if possible, caused palliation but not prolonged survival. In patients with encasement limited to intrapancreatic arteries, tumor vessels, or absence of angiographic changes, there was a possibility of radical surgery in about 40%, with significantly increased survival rate and time.