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Pancreatectomy
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Pancreatectomy is the removal of the pancreas (either completely or partly) due to a cancerous tumor or acute pancreatitis (during tissue necrosis). When the tumor affects adjacent organs (spleen, gallbladder, part of the small intestine or stomach, lymph nodes), these affected areas also need to be removed.
Indications and methods for performing pancreatectomy
In most cases, surgery is prescribed for malignant tumors in the pancreas; sometimes organ removal is required for acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
When incising the abdominal cavity, the surgeon performs a complete or partial removal of the organ, in addition to the pancreas, if the tumor has affected adjacent organs, they can also be removed. Then the incision site is stitched or secured with special staples.
If necessary, drainage tubes are placed in the abdominal cavity to drain the fluid that accumulates in the surgeon's area. Sometimes the specialist will insert another tube from the intestines for tube feeding.
If it is necessary to remove only part of the pancreas, the surgeon can use the laparoscopy method - through small holes the surgeon inserts a special device with a camera and small surgical instruments, with the help of which the resection is performed.
Prognosis of pancreatectomy
When part of the organ is removed, the prognosis is more favorable than with complete removal of the pancreas, since the remaining part of the gland takes on all the work. When the entire pancreas is removed, a significant failure occurs in the digestive system and constant replacement therapy is required (nutrition, enzymes, insulin).
Pancreatectomy is performed in most cases to save a human life. In cancerous tumors, even with significant lesions, surgery is the only way to improve the patient's quality of life.
Complications of pancreatectomy
After removal of the pancreas, some complications may arise - bleeding, infection, reaction to anesthetic drugs (low blood pressure, dizziness, etc.), when part of the organ is removed, pancreatic enzymes may leak into the abdominal cavity, damage to adjacent organs.
The risk of complications increases with excess weight, old age, poor nutrition, heart disease and organ disease.
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Care and Recovery After Pancreatectomy
After the operation, the doctor will monitor the patient's condition for several days in the hospital, and painkillers and anti-nausea medications will also be prescribed. If drainage tubes were installed, the doctor will remove them after the body begins to recover.
After discharge, the patient needs to follow a special diet, since pancreatic enzymes may not be enough to digest food. Also, depending on the amount of the organ removed, enzyme preparations and insulin (to regulate blood sugar levels) may be prescribed.
After the operation, you need to follow a gentle regimen, do not lift heavy objects, do not overexert yourself (on average 1.5 – 2 months).
The recovery period after surgery can take several months. Most patients report difficulties in following a new diet or taking new medications.
Some patients are advised to participate in special support groups that help improve their psychological state.