Patient Education Series | Understanding Pancreatectomy | Sharona B. Ross, MD, FACS

Expert Author
Dr. Sharona Ross Surgeon Tampa, Florida

Sharona B. Ross, MD is an Advanced Foregut and HPB Surgeon with over 9 years of diverse experience in her field and specific expertise in advanced gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary, robotic and minimally invasive surgery. She currently works at Florida Hospital Tampa and she has additionally engaged in local, national and... more

Understanding Pancreatectomy

Pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of the pancreas. The pancreas, a vital organ in the digestive system, produces enzymes for food digestion and hormones, including insulin, to regulate blood sugar levels.

Reasons for Pancreatectomy: Pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis are the most common conditions requiring pancreatectomy. Tumors pose the risk of spreading, and removing them reduces this risk. Chronic pancreatitis, characterized by inflammation, severe pain, and complications, may also necessitate pancreatectomy.

Types of Pancreatectomy Surgery:

  1. Distal Pancreatectomy: Removes the tail and sometimes the body of the pancreas, often involving spleen removal.
  2. Central Pancreatectomy: Removes the central portion, preserving the head and tail.
  3. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure): Removes the head of the pancreas, along with the duodenum, bile duct, and gallbladder.
  4. Total Pancreatectomy: Removes the entire pancreas and sometimes other nearby organs.

Procedure Details: Pancreatectomy is a major surgical procedure typically performed under general anesthesia. It may be done through open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery, depending on the patient's condition and the extent of the surgery.

Recovery and Outlook: Recovery from pancreatectomy may take four to eight weeks, depending on the type of surgery and the patient's overall health. During recovery, patients are monitored for signs of infection, changes in bowel movements, and pain management. Long-term effects may include diabetes, malnutrition, and compromised immunity.

Risks and Complications: Complications of pancreatectomy can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and anastomotic leaks. Short-term side effects may include paralytic ileus, delayed gastric emptying, dumping syndrome, weight loss, and fatigue.

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