The quandary of preresection biliary drainage for pancreatic cancer

• Published in: The cancer journal (Sudbury, Mass.) Vol. 18; no. 6; p. 550
• Main Authors: Tol, Johanna A M G, Busch, Olivier R C, van der Gaag, Niels A, van Gulik, Thomas M, Gouma, Dirk J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.2012
• Subjects: Animals; Drainage; Humans; Jaundice, Obstructive - pathology; Jaundice, Obstructive - surgery; Pancreatic Neoplasms - pathology; Pancreatic Neoplasms - surgery; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Surgery in patients with obstructive jaundice caused by a tumor in the pancreatic head area is associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications. Preoperative biliary drainage was introduced in an attempt to improve the general condition and reduce morbidity and mortality. Extensive exper...