Cryoablation of unresectable pancreatic cancer.
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.
Kovach
Stephen J
SJ
Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box SURG, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Hendrickson
Richard J
RJ
Cappadona
Charles R
CR
Schmidt
C Max
CM
Groen
Kara
K
Koniaris
Leonidas G
LG
Sitzmann
James V
JV
D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods; D003714:Denervation; D005774:Gastrostomy; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D007582:Jejunostomy; D010166:Palliative Care; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013153:Splanchnic Nerves; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography