Redo-surgery following curative resection of pancreatic carcinoma: the difference between true and suspected recurrence.

Improving results have led to an extension of indications for re-resection of recurrent pancreatic carcinoma. Among 410 patients who received surgery for histologically proven pancreatic cancer, 17 underwent re-resection for a suspected local recurrence and were evaluated for overall survival, clinicopathological and perioperative data. At the initial operation, resection was curative (R0/R1) in all 17 patients. Indication for re-resection was a suspected or proven recurrence of pancreatic cancer in all patients. Re-resection was possible in 5 patients. The remaining patients received a redo of the pancreaticojejunostomy or bilioenteric anastomosis (n = 2), exploration with biopsy (n = 4), and a palliative bypass (n = 6). Perioperative mortality was 6%. Median overall survival was 25 months (range 10-152 months) and 7 months following re-resection (5-29 months). In 5 of 17 patients, histology showed chronic pancreatitis (n = 4) or a benign stricture at the hepaticojejunostomy (n = 1), whereas all other patients had histologically proven recurrence. Re-resection or redo of the anastomosis was possible in 5 of 5 patients with chronic pancreatitis but only in 2 of 12 patients with true recurrence (p = 0.003). Curative reoperation for recurrent pancreatic carcinoma is rarely feasible. Due to the potential for chronic pancreatitis or benign strictures as an underlying pathology, operable patients should be explored.