What Is Pancreatic Cancer Surgery?

Operative removal of pancreatic tumors, including distal pancreatectomy or total pancreatectomy, to manage localized pancreatic cancer.

Why Do I Need It?

Surgery is recommended if imaging shows:

  • Tumor confined to the pancreatic body/tail (distal) or head (Whipple)
  • No major vessel involvement or distant metastases

How Should I Prepare?

  • Pre-op Tests: CT pancreas protocol, MRI, tumor markers (CA 19-9).
  • Nutritional Assessment: Optimize nutrition pre-surgery.
  • Fasting: NPO after midnight.
  • Medications: Stop antiplatelets/anticoagulants as advised.
  • Consent: Discuss risks (e.g., fistula, diabetes) and alternatives.

What Happens During the Procedure?

  • Under general anesthesia, surgeon performs:
    • Distal pancreatectomy (body/tail removal ± spleen)
    • Total pancreatectomy if indicated
  • Drains placed near resection margin.

What Can I Expect Afterwards?

  • Hospital Stay: 7–10 days for distal; up to 12 days if total pancreatectomy.
  • Diet: Gradual—from liquids to solids over several days.
  • Enzyme Replacement: Pancreatic enzymes to aid digestion.
  • Glycemic Monitoring: Insulin therapy for total pancreatectomy patients.

Risks & Possible Complications

  • Pancreatic fistula (10–20%)
  • Delayed gastric emptying (20–30%)
  • Diabetes or malabsorption
  • Infection or bleeding (<10%)

Contact your surgical team for fever, persistent drain output, abdominal pain, or signs of high blood sugar.

Follow-Up

  • Pathology‐guided adjuvant chemotherapy.

Clinic visits every 3 months with imaging and CA 19-9 monitoring.