Recovery After Pancreatic Surgery

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 pancreatectomy to 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.

Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, they can expect a full recovery within 6 to 8 weeks. Because the body has undergone a traumatic procedure, it will have to work hard to recover, and the most common side effect during this immediate post-op period is fatigue. Patients will also struggle with eating; however, this difficulty will subside over time. Patients should expect to have a smaller appetite and feel full more quickly. Some patients will not be hungry, feel nauseous, and experience bloating. Most patients will return to standard eating patterns and feel better soon afterward.

Patients who make a concerted effort to eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day – approximately every three hours – will experience fewer eating difficulties. Fatty foods should be avoided until fully recovered. Instead, protein-rich foods should be consumed. It is also essential to stay hydrated, which will speed up recovery and minimize the risk of complications.

Patients can also work with a nutritionist and benefit significantly. A nutritionist will assess a patient’s needs and create a treatment plan based on their circumstances. Since most patients with pancreatic or gastrointestinal conditions have difficulty eating, a nutritionist specializing in these conditions can be of particular use.