ObjectiveTo assess the value of palliative surgical treatment for patients with advanced periampullary carcinoma. MethodsThe clinical data of 292 cases of unresectably advanced periampullary carcinoma who had undergone palliative surgical treatment between June 1998 and June 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsThe mortality and incidence of complications after operation were 0.7% (2/292) and 24.0% (70/292), respectively. The average survival time was 10.3 months (range 4－29 months). Total bilirubin decreased to normal in 243 cases (83.2%) and decreased by 50% in 39 cases (13.4%) after operation. The totally effective rate was 96.6% (282/292). ConclusionsPalliative surgical treatment is a safe method for the patients with unresectably advanced periampullary carcinoma. Hepaticojejunostomy combined with gastrojejunostomy is recommended for these patients.