Although resection is the only treatment option that offers a chance for prolonged survival in pancreatic cancer, R2 resections are controversial and not a generally accepted approach.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of patients with pancreatic cancer was performed to analyze R2 resections in comparison with palliative surgical bypass procedures. Trials were identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1966 to February 2011.

Four cohort studies were identified comparing 138 patients with R2 resections with 261 patients undergoing surgical bypass procedures. Morbidity and mortality were increased in the R2 resection group, with pooled risk ratios of 1.75 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35–2.26; P < .0001) and 2.98 (95% CI, 1.31–6.75; P = .009), respectively. R2 resections were associated with longer operating times (mean difference, 164 minutes; 95% CI, 127–201 minutes; P < .00001) and hospital stays (mean difference, 5 days; 95% CI, 1–9 days; P = .02). Pooled median survival times were 8.2 months for R2 resection and 6.7 months for palliative bypass procedures.

Planned palliative R2 resections are not justified in patients with pancreatic cancer.