Guide To Understanding Pancreas Removal Surgery

How The Surgery Works

A pancreatectomy is a procedure where just the diseased part of the pancreas or the entire pancreas is removed from the patient's body. However, the removal of other components is required to accomplish the removal of the entire pancreas. The bottom part of the stomach, the beginning part of the small intestine or duodenum, and the end of the bile duct are also removed with the pancreas. In some cases, the gallbladder and spleen may need to be removed as well. During the procedure, general anesthesia is administered, and the surgeon makes an incision in the patient's abdomen. The aforementioned organs are removed, and the remaining parts of the stomach, intestine, and ducts are reconnected to each other. This last step allows the patient to digest food normally. Monitoring devices and a urinary catheter will stay in place for one or two days following the surgery. After leaving the recovery unit of the hospital, the patient will stay in the hospital's intensive care unit so they can be closely monitored for signs of complications.

Get familiar with the risks of the procedure next.