Pancreatic Cancer is a dangerous disease that takes the lives of thousands of individuals every year.

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the United States, but it is responsible for around 7% of all cancer deaths. Surgery is often the preferred treatment option for pancreatic cancer. In this article, we will discuss the different surgery options available for reducing mortality risk from pancreatic cancer.

Whipple Procedure

The Whipple Procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, is the most common surgical procedure for pancreatic cancer.

During this procedure, the surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, a portion of the stomach, the gallbladder, and part of the bile duct. In certain cases, some lymph nodes may also be removed. Afterward, the stomach and remaining pancreas are attached to the small intestine. This procedure is often used to treat pancreatic cancer located in the head of the pancreas.

Total Pancreatectomy

A Total Pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the entire pancreas, as well as the spleen, gallbladder, part of the stomach, and the duodenum.

This procedure is reserved for individuals with tumors located in the body or tail of the pancreas. Total Pancreatectomy is usually done when the tumor has spread to these parts of the pancreas. After the procedure, you will need pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy to help with digestion.

Distal Pancreatectomy

Distal Pancreatectomy involves the removal of the body and tail of the pancreas while leaving the head of the pancreas intact. This procedure may be done if the pancreatic cancer has spread to the tail or body of the pancreas.

This procedure is also used to treat benign tumors of the pancreas.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses small incisions to access the pancreas. During the procedure, a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to see the pancreas and surrounding tissue.

Surgical instruments are then inserted through additional incisions and used to remove the tumor. This procedure is often used to treat smaller tumors in the pancreas.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a surgical treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. During the procedure, a cryoprobe is inserted into the tumor, and liquid nitrogen is circulated through the probe, freezing the tumor cells.

The frozen tumor cells are then destroyed and absorbed by the body over time. Cryosurgery is often used to treat small tumors in the pancreas and may be used in addition to other surgical treatments as well.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses small incisions and a robotic system to operate on the pancreas. During the procedure, the surgeon sits at a console and controls the robotic arms that perform the surgery.

Robotic surgery may provide better visualization and precision than other surgical methods. This procedure is often used to treat tumors located on the head or body of the pancreas.

Enucleation

Enucleation is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the tumor from the pancreas while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This procedure is usually done for smaller tumors located in the pancreas.

Enucleation is not a common procedure for treating pancreatic cancer because it can be difficult to determine if all of the cancerous cells have been removed.

Artery Resection

Artery Resection is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the portion of the artery that supplies blood to the pancreas because the tumor has grown into the artery.

The artery is then reconstructed using either a vein graft or a synthetic graft. Artery resection is often used to treat tumors located in the pancreas head where the tumor has grown into the artery.

Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Recovery and Risks

After surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover. The length of the hospital stay will vary depending on the procedure and the individual’s recovery progress.

After discharge, the patient will need to avoid any strenuous activity and follow a strict diet to promote healing. Risks associated with pancreatic cancer surgery include bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs. Additionally, patients may experience digestive problems after surgery, and some may require pancreatic enzyme therapy to help with digestion.

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease, but surgery can reduce the risk of mortality. The type of surgical procedure used depends on the location and stage of the cancer.

While surgery does come with risks, it is often the best option to treat pancreatic cancer. Patients who undergo surgery for pancreatic cancer will need to commit to a strict recovery plan and follow-up care to ensure the best possible outcome.