Abstract

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelial cells of the exocrine pancreas, the islet cells of Langerhans, and the connective tissue cells of the pancreas. Approximately 90% of cases are classified as exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This study aims to summarize the clinical features and treatment outcomes of exocrine pancreatic cancer at Nghe An General friendship Hospital during the period of 2020-2024.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 33 patients diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic cancer who underwent surgery at Nghe An General friendship hospital from March 2020 to September 2024.

Results: The study included 20 (60.6%) male and 13 (39.4%) female patients, with an average age of 61.4 ± 16.3 years (ranging from 20 to 95 years). The most common reason for hospitalization was abdominal pain, accounting for 28 (84.8%) cases. The average surgical duration was 237.12 ± 128.3 minutes. The most frequent clinical symptoms were abdominal pain, seen in 28 (84.8%) patients, followed by jaundice and pale stools in 19 (57.6%) patients. Tumors sized 2-4 cm accounted for 54.5% of cases. On CT scans, 45.5% showed dilated bile ducts, and 36.4% showed dilation of the main pancreatic duct. The rate of resectable tumors was 19 (57.6%), with 15 (45.5%) undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy and 4 (12.1%) undergoing distal pancreatectomy. The complication rate for pancreatic fistula and residual abscesses was 10.5% each. The average overall survival time was 28.3 ± 15.4 months.

Conclusion: Exocrine pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant cancer, often diagnosed late, resulting in a low rate of curative surgery. The surgical approach depends on the stage and the patient's overall condition. Surgical complications are generally acceptable, and survival time requires a larger patient sample for a more objective assessment.