The Results of Pancreaticoduodenectomy for 27 Old Patients with Periampullary Cancer

Objective To investigate the indications and therapeutic effects of pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients more than 70 years old with periampullary cancer.Methods A retrospective analysis of 27 consecutive patients more than 70 years old who had underwent pancreaticoduodenectomies from Jan 1995 to June 2002 was made.Results Postoperative complications occurred in 12 patients(44.4%),including 3 cases of intraabdominal bleedings,2 gastrointestinal bleedings,3 pancreatic leakages,4 gastroparalysis and 3 wound infections.Three patients(11.1%) died within 30 days postoperatively.The average survival time was 15.3 months except for 8 patients who are still alive 18 months aften operation.Four patients survived more than 3 years with 3-year survival rate of 21.0%(4/19).Conclusion Old people is not a contraindication of pancreaticoduodenectomy.Pancreaticoduodenectomy is an effective method for patients more than 70 years of age with periampullary cancer.