OBJECTIVETo investigate the complications in intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) for patients with local advanced pancreatic cancer.

METHODSThe clinical data, operation material, overall dose of IORT, postoperative therapy, complications, treatment and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed in all the in-hospital pancreatic cancer patients from Nov 2008 to Jan 2012.

RESULTSThere were 115 patients with local advanced pancreatic cancer treated with IORT in this study. 81 cases had a tumor in the head of pancreas and 34 cases in the pancreatic body and tail. The operation method was IORT combined with internal drainage surgery. The intra-operative radiotherapy was performed using Mobetron mobile electron accelerator, with a total dose of 12-20 Gy. Bilioenteric anastomosis and/or gastrointestinal anastomosis were included in the internal drainage surgery. Gastroparesis syndrome (10.4%), hemorrhage (3.5%), abdominal infection (2.6%), pancreatic fistula (0.9%) and renal failure (1.7%) were the common postoperative complication of IORT. All patients were cured except one who died of digestive tract hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONSMajor complications of IORT are gastroparesis syndrome, abdominal infection and hemorrhage. The incidence of gastroparesis syndrome is at the top of the list. However, early complications have a relatively better prognosis, indicating that IORT is a safe and reliable therapy for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.