Objective To explore the effects of recombinant human growth hormone （rhGH） on senile patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy. MethodsFortysix patients were divided into the therapeutic group (rhGH, n=17) and control group (n=29). Both were treated with parenteral nutrition. In the therapeutic group, rhGH (8 u/d) was given hypodermically for 7 days. After operation the levels of albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and immunoglobulin were measured. Postoperative fatigue syndrome and the average length of stay in hospital were observed too. ResultsAfter operation the levels of albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and immunoglobulin in the therapeutic group were significantly higher than those of control group. The degree of postoperative fatigue syndrome in the therapeutic group was less than that of control group. The average length of stay in hospital was significantly shortened. Conclusion The early application of rhGH in senile patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy can enhance immune function, reduce the incidence of infection, promote the postoperative recovery, shorten the average length of stay in hospital,decrease the mortality, increase the safety of operation and improve the postoperative life quality of senile patients.