The only curative treatment option for small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NET) is radical surgical resection. Surgical resection has also been offered to SI-NET patients with disseminated disease to alleviate obstructive symptoms, reduce levels of circulating serotonin and to improve prognosis. Currently, there is an ongoing discussion regarding the benefit of non-radical surgical resection of SINETs in asymptomatic patients. In addition to assessing the benefits of a surgical procedure it is also important to estimate the risks. Here we present single center data regarding postoperative mortality after surgical resection of SI-NET.

We have established a local register identifying all patients undergoing surgical resection for SI-NET between 1986-2013 at our University Hospital. Patients were identified by pathological SI-NET samples including, primary tumors, lymph node metastases and distant metastases. Data registered includes date of birth and operation, gender, time of death and extent of surgical resection. Data was used for descriptive analysis.

273 patients were identified and included. 9 patients died within 30 days, 14 patients died within 90 days, 36 patients died within 12 months, 237 patients died after 12 months postoperatively or were alive. Median age was higher and the proportion that had underwent liver resection was lower among patients that died within 30 days,90 days and 12 months after surgery compared to patients that died after 12 months or were still alive. Postoperative mortality decreased over time.

Postoperative mortality after surgical resection for SI-NET was associated with age rather than liver resection and decreased over time.