Accurate diagnosis is essential and the procedures require experienced surgeons.
Surgery to treat cancers and disorders in this organ is highly complicated and challenging and requires a high level of skill and expertise. Pancreatic surgery is a subspecialty that surgically manages benign and malignant diseases of the pancreas, utilizing a variety of techniques.
There are several reasons someone may require pancreatic surgery including pancreas cancer, pancreatic cysts, pancreatitis, and neuroendocrine tumors. Surgery in this area can be complex and surgeons can use minimally invasive, laparoscopic procedures to operate for improved results.
In 1935, Dr. Allen Whipple performed the first pancreaticoduodenectomy, and it became commonly known as the Whipple procedure. A Whipple procedure, sometimes called a pancreatic resection, is used to remove or slow the spread of pancreatic tumors and other pancreas, intestine, and bile duct disorders. While other therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation can help, surgery offers the greatest likelihood of controlling pancreatic cancer.
The Whipple procedure is not appropriate for everyone. Patients will need to undergo testing and physical examinations to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure. For some, the Whipple procedure is a curative solution while for others it may only slow the spread of a disease. There are many risks involved and your surgeon can review those risks with you.
Distal pancreatectomy refers to removing the removal of the body and tail of the pancreas. The remaining portion of the pancreas is over-sewn or stapled to seal the organ. This allows pancreatic fluid to drain into the small intestine as usual. There are three variations of distal pancreatectomy. The chosen variant depends on the location, type of tumor, and the patient’s physical state.
A central pancreatectomy is most suitable for benign or low-grade tumors in the neck or middle of the pancreas. The remaining pancreatic tissue is split into two parts – the head and the body. The portion of the pancreas closer to the small intestine is sealed, allowing it to drain into the small intestine as usual. The tail of the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes, is sewn into the back of the stomach or small bowel so that digestion can continue as usual.
A total pancreatectomy combines the Whipple procedure and a distal pancreatectomy, which removes the entire pancreas. As in the Whipple procedure, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) and the gallbladder are also removed. The spleen is expected to be removed during this procedure as well. After removing the tumor and the organs, the stomach and bile duct are reconnected to the remaining small intestine.
Recovery after pancreatic surgery largely depends on the specific procedure performed and the patient’s general health before surgery – these two factors will influence the ability to recover swiftly. If the procedure was performed laparoscopically, patients will typically have a shorter hospital stay than those who have undergone an open procedure. Average hospital stays will range from three days for a minimally invasive distal pancreatectomyto ten days for a Whipple procedure. Patients should candidly communicate with the clinical staff during their hospital stay to ensure they are comfortable and to make nurses and their surgeon aware of any possible complications.
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Tel: (727) 357-MIIS (6447)
Fax: (727) 356-MIIS (6447)
