Pancreatic Surgeries
Pancreatic surgeries address conditions affecting the pancreas, including tumors, chronic pancreatitis, and other disorders. The main types of pancreatic surgeries include:
Pancreatectomy involves the removal of part or all of the pancreas.
Total Pancreatectomy is the complete removal of the pancreas, often performed for advanced pancreatic cancer or severe chronic pancreatitis. This procedure also requires the removal of nearby structures, such as the spleen and part of the small intestine. Patients will need lifelong insulin therapy and enzyme replacement due to the loss of pancreatic function.
Partial Pancreatectomy involves removing a portion of the pancreas. This surgery is typically performed to remove localized tumors or affected sections of the pancreas while preserving as much of the organ as possible.
Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy) is a complex surgery used to treat tumors located in the head of the pancreas. It involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach. The remaining parts of the pancreas, small intestine, and bile duct are then reconnected to allow digestive functions to continue.
Distal Pancreatectomy involves the removal of the tail and sometimes the body of the pancreas. This surgery is often performed for pancreatic tumors or cysts located in these areas. The remaining pancreas is reconnected to the small intestine.
Pancreatic Cyst Removal involves the surgical removal of cysts from the pancreas, which may be benign or potentially cancerous. This can often be done through minimally invasive techniques if the cysts are small and localized.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS-FNA) is not a surgical procedure but a diagnostic technique where a needle is used to obtain tissue samples from the pancreas for evaluation. It helps diagnose pancreatic cancer or other pancreatic conditions.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure) is often the preferred approach for pancreatic head cancers, but it is a major surgery with a significant recovery period and potential for complications.
These pancreatic surgeries aim to treat diseases, remove tumors, or address functional problems within the pancreas. Recovery and outcomes depend on the specific surgery, the extent of disease, and the patient’s overall health.
