Duodenal Obstruction and Carcinoma of the Head of Pancreas

A retrospective study of patients with carcinoma of the head of pancreas showed that nine of 19 patients who were suitable for follow-up developed duodenal obstruction. This occurred at the mean time of 10 months from presentation, well before death from the malignant process. A gastrojejunostomy was performed in all patients. At presentation, duodenal obstruction was found in seven of 56 patients studied (12%). These data suggest that, although duodenal obstruction is uncommon at presentation, gastrojejunostomy should be added to measures for the relief of jaundice for best palliation.