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Pancreatectomy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Pancreatectomy - removal of the pancreas (completely or part of the organ) with a cancerous tumor or acute pancreatitis (with tissue necrosis). When the tumor affects adjacent organs (spleen, gall bladder, part of the small intestine or stomach, lymph nodes), removal of these affected areas is also required.
[Indication and methodology of pancreatectomy
In most cases, the operation is prescribed in malignant formations on the pancreas, sometimes removal of the body is required in acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
When cutting the abdominal cavity, the surgeon leads a complete or partial removal of the organ, in addition to the pancreas, if the tumor touches the adjacent organs, they can be removed. Then the place of the cut is sewn or fixed with special staples.
If necessary, drainage tubes are placed in the abdominal cavity, along which fluid draining accumulates in the workplace of the surgeon. Sometimes a specialist takes out another tube from the intestine for probe feeding.
If you want to remove only part of the pancreas, the surgeon can use the method of laparoscopy - through small holes, the surgeon introduces a special device with a camera and small surgical instruments with which resection is performed.
Pancreatectomy prognosis
When removing part of the body, the predictions are more favorable than with complete removal of the pancreas, since the rest of the gland takes on all the work. When removing the entire pancreas in the digestive system, a significant malfunction occurs and constant replacement therapy (nutrition, enzymes, insulin) is required.
Pancreatectomy is in most cases carried out to save 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, attachment of infection, reaction to anesthetic drugs (low blood pressure, dizziness, etc.), while removing part of the body, pancreatic enzymes can seep into the abdominal cavity, damage to adjacent organs.
The risk of complications increases with excessive weight, in old age, with poor nutrition, heart disease and organs.
Care and recovery after pancreatectomy
After the operation in the hospital for several days, the doctor will monitor the patient's condition, and pain medications and nausea remedies will also be prescribed. If drainage tubes have been installed, the doctor will remove them after the body begins to recover.
After discharge, the patient is required to follow a special diet, since pancreatic enzymes may not be enough to digest food. Also, depending on the amount of the removed organ, enzyme preparations, insulin (to adjust the blood sugar level) can be prescribed.
After the operation, it is necessary to observe a sparing regimen, not to raise the severity, not to overexert (on average 1.5 to 2 months).
The recovery period after the operation can take several months. Most patients note the difficulty in meeting a new diet or taking new medicines.
Some patients are recommended to participate in special support groups that help improve the psychological state.