Pancreatic tumors often require surgical intervention to manage and treat the condition effectively. Advanced imaging techniques, such as Dynamic CT and MRI, help assess the tumor's characteristics and determine its extent. If there is no vascular invasion (tumor spread to major blood vessels), surgery becomes a viable option.
For patients experiencing jaundice before surgery, procedures like ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) or PTC (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography) may be used to insert stents into the bile ducts, alleviating jaundice and preparing the patient for surgery.
1. Pancreatic Head Tumors
For tumors located in the head of the pancreas, pancreaticoduodenectomy (commonly known as the Whipple procedure) is performed. This is a complex and high-risk surgery, with:
- Average duration: 5.5 hours.
- Blood loss: Approximately 350 ml.
- Mortality rate: Around 4%.
Procedure Details:
- During the surgery, the gallbladder, part of the bile ducts, duodenum (small intestine), pancreatic head, and the distal part of the stomach are removed.
- Lymph nodes around major blood vessels are also cleared.
- After removal, the pancreas, bile ducts, and stomach are connected to the intestines through 3-4 anastomoses (surgical connections).
At Gediz Health, the Whipple procedure is performed both open and laparoscopically (minimally invasive) based on the patient’s needs.
Key Considerations:
- Anastomosis between the pancreas and intestines is critical. There is a global rate of about 12% for pancreatic fluid leakage, which can vary in severity (Grade A being mild and Grade C being critical).
- Another vital connection is between the bile ducts and intestines. Bile leakage may occur, which can be managed using pre-placed drainage systems like PTC.
Post-Surgery Recovery:
- Patients are monitored in the ICU to address potential complications such as bleeding, infections, or organ injuries.
- Average hospital stay: 7-10 days, extending in case of complications.
- Nutritional support: Dietitians provide high-protein medical nutrition plans.
Follow-Up:
- First follow-up is 10 days post-discharge to assess the patient’s condition, incision sites, and blood levels.
- Pathology results are reviewed to determine further treatment needs.
- Subsequent follow-ups are scheduled at one month and as required based on pathology and clinical findings.
2. Distal Pancreatectomy
Distal pancreatectomy involves the removal of the tail of the pancreas, often performed for tumors or cystic lesions in this region. Depending on the tumor’s proximity to the spleen, the spleen may be preserved or removed.
Procedure Details:
- Duration: 2-4 hours.
- Performed either laparoscopically (minimally invasive) or as an open surgery.
- Post-operative ICU monitoring is sometimes required for patient safety.
Complications:
- Pancreatic fluid leakage from the resected area.
- Bleeding or infections near major blood vessels.
- Potential injuries to surrounding organs.
Recovery:
- Average hospital stay: 5-7 days.
- Gradual oral intake under dietitian supervision begins after the first day.
Follow-Up:
- Early follow-up on day 10 post-discharge to monitor healing, address complaints, and review pathology results.
- Additional follow-ups at one month and beyond as needed.
3. Central Pancreatectomy
Central pancreatectomy is performed for tumors or cysts located in the middle section of the pancreas. This procedure aims to preserve as much pancreatic tissue as possible while removing the affected part.
Procedure Details:
- The remaining pancreas is connected to the stomach or small intestine via an anastomosis.
- Duration: 2-4 hours.
Complications and Recovery:
- Similar risks as other pancreatic surgeries, including pancreatic fluid leakage, infections, and bleeding.
- Hospital stay and follow-up protocols are similar to distal pancreatectomy.
Post-Surgery Care at Gediz Health
Nutritional Support:
- A dietitian creates a tailored nutrition plan, emphasizing high-protein intake to support recovery.
- Gradual transition from liquids to solids over weeks.
Monitoring and Follow-Up:
- Close monitoring of surgical sites, blood levels, and symptoms.
- Regular follow-ups to assess healing and review pathology results.
- Adjustments to treatment plans based on pathology findings.
Advanced Facilities:
- ICU-equipped monitoring for high-risk cases.
- State-of-the-art surgical techniques for optimal outcomes.
At Gediz Health, our expert team ensures personalized care, utilizing the latest advancements in pancreatic cancer surgery for the best patient outcomes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our surgical services.
