Table 1 Definition of vascular involvement assessed by CT scanning

From: Refining the role of laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound in the staging of presumed pancreatic head and ampullary tumours

Grade of resectability

Definition

Grade O

Biliary and pancreatic duct dilatation without a mass present (addition)

Grade A

Fat plane separates the tumour and/or the normal pancreatic parenchyma from adjacent vessels

Grade B

Normal parenchyma separates the hypodense tumour from adjacent vessels

Grade C

Hypodense tumour is inseparable from adjacent vessels, and the points of contact form a convexity against the vessels

Grade D

Hypodense tumour is inseparable from adjacent vessels, and the points of contact form a concavity against the vessels or partially encircle the vessels

Grade E

Hypodense tumour encircles adjacent vessels, and no fat plane is identifiable between the tumour and the vessels

Grade F

Tumour occludes the vessels

  1. Based on the classification of vascular involvement described by Loyer et al (1996).
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