A CARE-compliant case report: total pancreatectomy and total gastrectomy to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

RATIONALE: Total pancreatectomy (TP) is performed in cases of multifocal and large invasive tumors of the pancreas, and is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Previously, the limitations and unsatisfactory effect of this surgery rendered it rarely performed; however, with improvements in surgical techniques and blood sugar management, TP is now more frequently performed. TP has a similar long-term survival rate as that for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). However, the application of TP plus total gastrectomy (TG) for the treatment of invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has not been reported previously. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 64-year-old man with epigastric discomfort. Physical examination showed a hard mass. Preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid mass located in the pancreatic body and involving the portal vein and stomach. DIAGNOSIS: Pancreatic cancer. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with TP combined with TG and portal vein reconstruction. OUTCOMES: The patient had a smooth post-operative recovery but, regretfully, developed metastases 2 months after discharge. LESSONS: Considering the poor outcome of the present case, the validity of the operation should be reevaluated. Although a single case does not elicit a convincing conclusion, the current case might serve as a warning against performing a similar surgery.