What is a pancreatectomy?
A pancreatectomy is like the Whipple procedure; however, it permanently removes either part or all of your pancreas likely due to cancer, chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cysts. Both cancer (tumors) and pancreatitis can lead to severe complications, like the spread of cancer or pain and inflammation from pancreatitis. A pancreatectomy can be conducted to prevent spread or prevent further pain and inflammation.
What are the types of pancreatectomy?
The type of disease you are fighting, and how much it has taken over your pancreas, will help determine if you need a total or partial pancreatectomy.
Total Pancreatectomy
Just as the name sounds, a total pancreatectomy will remove the entirety of the pancreas. This is typically done if the entire organ is diseased or failing. This surgery will not only remove the full pancreas but also the gallbladder, duodenum, spleen and part of the stomach. The remaining part of the stomach and the bile duct that was left from the pancreas will then be connected.
The job of the pancreas is to form enzymes to assist with food digestion and create hormones to regulate blood sugar levels. After a total pancreatectomy, you will likely start taking insulin and digestive enzymes to counteract those missing functions.
Partial Pancreatectomy
A partial pancreatectomy will only remove a piece of the pancreas, still leaving parts to function in the body. A partial pancreatectomy can be broken down into three options. The removal of the head of the pancreas (Whipple procedure), removal of the tail and body of the pancreas (distal pancreatectomy) or removal of only the body of the pancreas (central pancreatectomy). Your surgeon will determine which partial pancreatectomy to perform based on the disease or condition of your pancreas.
What are the risks of a pancreatectomy?
Due to the complexity and risks involves with a pancreatectomy (total or partial), your surgeon will likely only recommend receiving the procedure if it’s the only possible option. Risks of this procedure include:
- Bleeding and blood clots
- Infection
- Leakage from the reconnection of the organs
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Diabetes due to insulin producing cells being removed.
- Compromised immunity