Outcomes of resections for pancreatic adenocarcinoma with suspected venous involvement: a single center experience

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients frequently present with borderline resectable disease, which can be due to invasion of the portal/superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV). Here, we analyzed this group of patients, with emphasis on short and long-term outcomes. METHODS: 156 patients who underwent a resection for PDAC were included in the analysis and sub-stratified into a cohort of patients with PV/SMV resection (n = 54) versus those with standard surgeries (n = 102). RESULTS: While venous resections could be performed safely, there was a trend towards shorter median survival in the PV/SMV resection group (22.7 vs. 15.8 months, p = 0.157). These tumors were significantly larger (3.5 vs 4.3 cm; p = 0.026) and margin-positivity was more frequent (30.4 % vs 44.4 %, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Venous resection was associated with a higher rate of margin positivity and a trend towards shorter survival. However, compared to non-surgical treatment, resection offers the best chance for long term survival.