The efficiency of that comparative tool resides in the fact that it takes into consideration a variety of factors, such as the patient's age, health, cyst size and surgical risk. It even takes into account the opinions of patients about survival. For example, if a patient prefers to live, no matter the risk and condition of his life, or if he/she prefers to have a good life, and non-invasive treatments measures.
The final treatment of the cyst will therefore depend on all those factors. Four competing treatments strategies have been evaluated by the tool, namely:
- Watch and wait ( no treatment);
- Surgical removal;
- Annual non-invasive surveillance with MRI or CT Scan;
- Annual endoscopic ultrasound.
According to the research, surgery was the most effective treatment for a cyst greater than 2cm, to maximize overall survival, and regardless of the age or health of the patient; whereas surveillance was the preferred strategy for any cyst less than 1cm.
"The evaluation tool offers greater insight into not only key risk factors for deciding pancreatic cyst treatment but also what patients want and value.," said study author Dr. Benjamin M. Weinberg.
Because this evaluation tool is flexible and can fits to every patient needs and requirements, we can predict the positive effects and feedback in the choice of treatments for asymptomatic pancreatic cysts; and therefore in the healthcare.
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