What is referred to as pancreas surgery?

Pancreatectomy refers to surgical removal of the pancreas. The pancreas functions within the digestive system. It serves two primary purposes. It produces hormones that help keep blood sugar levels stable and store energy from food, as well as enzymes that aid digestion.

Why would you need pancreas surgery?

The most prevalent indications for a pancreatectomy include tumours and pancreatitis.

Pancreatic cancer removal lessens the likelihood that the cancer will spread to other organs. Pancreatitis happens when your pancreas becomes inflamed. It can cause excruciating pain and other consequences, which may necessitate surgery to remove the pancreas.

What is pancreas surgery done for?

• Pancreatic cancer.
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, such as insulinoma.
• Metastatic kidney cancer.
• Pancreatic cysts.
• Severe chronic pancreatitis.

What are the different types of pancreatic surgery that are a part of pancreas treatment?

Your pancreas resembles a fish in shape, with a wide “head,” a moderate “body,” and a narrower “tail.” The pancreas can be taken out in its entirety, in parts, or just the head and tail. There are situations when the removal of one organ necessitates the removal of an adjacent vessel.

Distal pancreatectomy: 

Your pancreas’ body and tail make up its distal end (“distal” implies furthest or farthest from the centre). When the body is affected as well, a distal pancreatectomy removes the entire pancreas, not only the tail. The spleen and the tail of the pancreas are intimately linked. When performing a distal pancreatectomy, it is common to also remove the spleen.

Central pancreatectomy:

When you get a central pancreatectomy, only the pancreatic body is removed; the head and tail remain unharmed. It takes a lot to warrant this risky procedure. Only if you’re getting rid of anything on a local level is it feasible. However, in some cases, it can help you keep more of your pancreas and avoid having to have it removed.

Whipple procedure:

When you have a pancreaticoduodenectomy, the leading end of your pancreas and its connecting segment of small intestine are surgically removed (your duodenum). The removal of the bile duct and gallbladder is standard practice since the common bile duct connects the liver to the duodenum via the pancreatic head. The last step of the Whipple technique is to reconnect the small intestine to the remaining sections of the pancreas, bile duct, and stomach.

Total pancreatectomy:

When the entire pancreas is diseased, or when there isn’t enough healthy tissue to be preserved, a total pancreatectomy is performed. When the entire pancreas is removed, several additional organs, blood arteries, and lymph nodes are also taken out of the body. 

The spleen, gallbladder, duodenum, and lower stomach are all common examples. After that, the surgeon will repair the connection between your small intestine and your stomach and bile duct. Seek help from the top pancreatic surgeons in Coimbatore to avail the Pancreas Treatment.

What happens during the pancreatic removal surgery?

• Your medical team will help you onto the operating bed, and the anesthesiologist will insert an IV in your arm to administer the sedative before the procedure begins. 
• The anaesthesia from this will let you sleep through the surgery. You will continue to receive medication, fluids, and even nutrition, through your IV.
• While you’re unconscious, your healthcare team will insert a number of tubes to keep your organs and blood pressure steady. 
• A breathing tube will be inserted into your windpipe, and a tube will be placed in your stomach to keep you from feeling sick. 
• Tubes will be placed in your abdominal cavity and a Foley catheter will drain your urine.
• As numerous internal organs can be reached at once during an open pancreatectomy, this surgical method is typically preferred. 
• Some hospitals may be able to perform a pancreatectomy using laparoscopic or robotic surgery, reducing the patient’s recovery time and risk of infection. 
• By using these techniques, recuperation is less of a hassle.
• When doing open surgery, the physician makes a single, lengthy incision across the patient’s belly to access the abdominal cavity. 
• Your surgeon will make multiple tiny cuts, or “keyholes,” if you’re having laparoscopic or robotic surgery. 
• Using long instruments and a camera, they will do surgery through these (laparoscopes).

What is the advantage of undergoing pancreatic surgery?

Pancreatectomy is only recommended by doctors if it’s deemed very necessary. That’s a pretty sure sign that you have pancreatic cancer and that surgery might be your best chance at a cure. Surgical intervention may be necessary when symptoms persist despite medical treatment for another condition.

How long is this recovery after the procedure?

Whether you had open or minimally invasive surgery, as well as how extensive the procedure was, can all affect how long it will take for you to recover at home.

Outlook of the condition:

The digestive tract is particularly vulnerable to the long-term effects of a pancreatectomy, a major operation with potentially fatal results. However, if your Pancreas Specialist Doctor has suggested a pancreatectomy, it’s likely because they see significant benefits for you. 

A pancreatectomy has the potential to treat conditions that are either life-threatening or highly debilitating. In order to assist you be as well-prepared as possible, consult the best doctor for pancreas to go over the benefits and drawbacks of your condition with you.