Laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound in the evaluation of pancreatic and periampullary tumours.

Background And Aims: The pre-operative determination of resectability of pancreatic and peri-ampullary neoplasia assists the selection of patients for surgical or non-surgical treatment. This study investigated whether the addition of laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound to dual-phase helical CT could improve the accuracy of assessment of resectability.

Patients And Methods: Prospective study of 305 patients referred to a single unit for consideration of pancreatic resection who underwent dual-phase helical CT scanning +/- laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound. Data were collected on patient demographics, CT findings, assessment of operability, laparoscopic assessment (LA), surgical procedures and histology.

Results: LA was undertaken in 239/305 patients, 190 of whom were considered CT resectable, and 49 CT unresectable. Of the 190 CT resectable patients, LA correctly identified unresectability in 28 (15%: metastases in 15; vascular encasement in 6; anaesthesia for laparoscopy found 7 unfit for major resection) and incorrectly in 2 (vascular encasement), but did not identify unresectability in 33; LA correctly confirmed resectability in the remainder (prediction improved, chi(2) = 9.73, p < 0.01). Of the 49 CT unresectable patients, LA correctly identified resectability in 4, and incorrectly in 12, and correctly identified unresectability in the remaining 33. Sixty-six of the 305 patients did not undergo LA, of whom 23 underwent resection.

Conclusion: When added to dual-phase helical CT, laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound provides valuable information that significantly improves the selection of patients for surgical or non-surgical treatment.