Cystic neoplasias of the pancreas.

Since 1993 we observed 41 neoplastic cysts in the Surgical Department of Dresden University. This number corresponds to 9,6 % of the tumors and to 21,3% of the pancreatic cysts treated in our institution during the same period of time. In 40 patients, a surgical resection was possible. We performed 17 partial and 2 total duodenopancreatectomies, 17 left-side and 4 segmental resections. No patient died during the hospital stay. In 14 cases the cystic tumor was malignant. During the follow-up (mean 20 months), two patients died 9 and 21 months postoperatively from recurrent tumor disease. We have realized sonographically guided fine needle fluid aspiration of cystic pancreatic lesions. Neither the analysis of amylase, nor the tumor marker CA-19-9 or cytology gave results indicating the correct diagnosis. Even intraoperative frozen section of the cystic wall can mislead. If the patient?s history is not typical for chronic pancreatitis and if the patient?s condition is good, these cysts should be resected, preferably in a center of pancreatic surgery having demonstrated low morbidity and mortality rates.