Superior Mesenteric-Portal Vein Resection in Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Is Safe and May Increase Survival

Extension of pancreatic adenocarcinoma into adjacent vasculature often necessitates resection of the portal vein (PV) and or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Our study describes the surgical technique and results of PV/SMV resection in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. Between January 2008 and October 2013, 252 patients underwent PD for pancreatic malignancy. A total of 42 PV/SMV resections were performed (28 men, 14 women). Patients were categorized into 2 groups according to the degree of invasion into the portal vein wall: Group A (n = 16), extended compression of the portal vein wall by the surrounding carcinoma without true invasion, and Group B (n = 26), true invasion including intramural and transmural invasion. Morbidity of the 42 patients was 35%; there was no operative mortality, and overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 60%, 21%, and 12%, respectively. No differences in tumor size, margin positivity, nodal positivity, or survival rates were observed between groups. Resection of the PV/SMV is safe and does not increase morbidity or mortality. Tumor involvement of the PV/SMV is not associated with histopathologic signs that are predictive of a poor prognosis. The “artery first” approach should be considered as a means to facilitate safe venous resection and reconstruction.