Cryoablation of unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Most patients with pancreatic cancer are not candidates for curative resection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety of an intraoperative ultrasound-guided cryosurgical procedure in a phase I study of unresectable pancreatic cancer.

METHODS:

From March 1995 to March 1999, 10 cryosurgeries using intraoperative ultrasound were performed on 9 patients with unresectable cancers at laparotomy. Four patients had a concurrent gastrojejunostomy, 2 had a chemical splanchnicectomy, and 1 underwent a concurrent hepatic cryosurgical procedure.

RESULTS:

There was no intraoperative morbidity or mortality. No patients developed postoperative pancreatitis or fistula. All patients had good pain control postoperatively and were tolerating a regular diet at the time of discharge. Pain control at discharge was achieved with an oral formulation (4/9), transdermal patch (3/9), no pain medication (1/9), and intravenous patient controlled analgesia (1/9).

CONCLUSIONS:

Ultrasound-guided cryoablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer appears safe and may contribute to improved postoperative pain control. Future studies to determine its therapeutic role in the management of unresectable pancreatic cancer are indicated.

• Authors: Stephen J Kovach, Richard J Hendrickson, Charles R Cappadona, C Max Schmidt, Kara Groen, Leonidas G Koniaris, James V Sitzmann
• Journal: Surgery (Surgery) Vol. 131 Issue 4 Pg. 463-4 (Apr 2002) ISSN: 0039-6060 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11935137 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase I, Journal Article)

Topics

• Cryosurgery (methods)
• Denervation
• Gastrostomy
• Humans
• Intraoperative Period
• Jejunostomy
• Palliative Care
• Pancreatic Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Postoperative Care
• Prospective Studies
• Splanchnic Nerves
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography