title: Safety of pancreatic surgery in a small DGH.
abstract: The Combined Gastroenterology Service at Scarborough Hospital has a particular interest in pancreatic disease. The claim that pancreatic surgery should only be performed in larger, specialised units prompted a review of our experience in a small district general hospital (DGH). The case notes of 63 patients who had undergone pancreatic surgery over a 7-year period were examined retrospectively. The 30-day mortality was 8%, while 14 complications were recorded. Of 16 patients with acute pancreatitis, three died before discharge and three had long-term complications. Five patients who underwent surgery for chronic pancreatitis were discharged safely. There were 11 curative and 29 palliative procedures for patients with malignant disease. Median survival was 8 months (range 1-32 months) and median hospital stay was 16.8 days (range 7-89 days). Successful pancreatic surgery can be performed safely in a DGH setting. Patient selection and expertise are more important than numbers.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006767:Hospitals, District / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome