Long-term survival characteristics after resection for ampullary carcinoma are documented poorly. We have reviewed the clinical and histopathologic features of 23 long-term survivors who underwent resections between 1972 and 1984 (5-year survival rate, 52.1%). Twenty patients (87%) had intestinal type tumors and only two (9%) had papillary tumors. Associated adenomata were present in eight cases (35%) and distant ductular dysplasia was present in nine cases (39%). Long-term survival was correlated independently with tumor grade (P = 0.0031) and a new staging system that assesses local invasiveness (P = 0.0055). No correlation was found between survival and sex, tumor size, or presence of adenoma. Age was significant in univariate analysis (P = 0.0322) but not in multivariate analysis. A simple scoring system based on the grade and stage increased the predictability of survival (P = 0.0004). Application of this scoring system may allow an objective comparison of long-term survival results after resection from different series.