Resection margin clearance in pancreatic cancer after implementation of the Leeds Pathology Protocol (LEEPP): Clinically relevant or just academic?

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess oncological outcome in patients after R0/R1 resections in a homogenous cohort suffering from ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreatic head. Summary Background Data: Applying rigorous standardized histopathological protocols in the examination of resection specimens of PDAC of the pancreatic head reveals microscopic incomplete (R1) resection rates of up to and greater than 80%. Methods: Between January 2007 and May 2011, 125 consecutive patients underwent surgical pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or pylorus-preserving PD because of PDAC of the pancreatic head. Thes…