The ARTERY FIRST Approach for Resection of Pancreatic Head Cancer (Artery first)
Pancreatic Head Cancer
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Pancreatic Head Cancer
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Pancreatic head cancer (diagnosis by clinical, laboratory and radiological evaluation)
- Patients scheduled for curative resection
- No evidence of distant metastases
- Age equal or greater than 18 years
- Informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Expected lack of compliance
- Impaired mental state or language problems
- patient having had neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy
Sites / Locations
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of HeidelbergRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Artery first group
Conventional Group
The basic principle of the "artery first" approach is the early identification of the SMA at its origin at the aorta with the further resection then being guided by its anatomic course. The dissection is carried cephalad along the aorta until the origin of the SMA is reached. The posterior and right aspect of the SMA is then dissected over a few centimeters. On the right side of the SMA a replaced or accessory right hepatic artery, if present, will be identified and preserved. This maneuver should be done, if infiltration of the SMA is suspected as the procedure can be terminated at this point. Once the situation at the SMA is assessed and resectability is confirmed resection will be done.
A wide Kocher manoeuver is performed to fully mobilize the duodenum and the head of the pancreas. The colonic mesentery on the right side is separated from the anterior surface of the duodenum and the head of the pancreas. The size of the tumor and its relation to the superior mesenteric artery, the celiac trunk, the mesentery, the portal vein, and the superior mesenteric vein is assessed. If resectability is given a Kausch-Whipple's resection is performed.