Application of combining resection of the celiac axis in extended distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic body-tail carcinoma PENG Cheng-hong, WU Xu-bo, LEI Ruo-qing, et al. Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China Corresponding author: WU Xu-bo, E-mail: xubowu@yahoo.cn Abstract Objective To discuss the application and effect of distal pancreatectomy combined with resection of the celiac axis(CA) for pancreatic body-tail carcinoma. Methods Retrospective analysis the data of 10 patients received pancreatectomy combined with resection of the CA in Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January, 2003 to December, 2007. Results The average age is (57.7±6.9) years, the average size of the tumor is (5.0±1.3) cm, the median operation time is 320 (225~420) min and the median operative blood loss is 900 (500~1500)mL. 3 patients had been performed with CHA reconstruction. There were 4 patients had postoperative complications, including pancreatic fistula, chylous fistula, celiac effusion and infection. One of them died at the 55th day postoperatively. Hepatic dysfunction occured in 5 patients. After operation, the average days in hospital were (28.8±13.6) days and the median survival time was 15 months except the died paitent. All patients have had mild diarrhea after surgery(＜5 times/day) and could relieve in 2～6 months. 6 patients suffered with abdominal and/or back pain before operation, and 5 of them had achieved relief through operation. Conclusion Distal pancreatectomy combined with CA resection for pancreatic body-tail carcinoma is a viable and safe mode. It can improve the survival time and life quality.