Pancreatic Surgeries are surgical procedures that are done to treat and manage several conditions and diseases that affect the pancreas. The pancreas is an important organ of the body that has exocrine and endocrine functions which are to help in digestion and to maintain blood glucose levels. Several conditions or diseases can affect the pancreas some of which may require surgical intervention for management.
Pancreatic Surgeries are mostly done as elective procedures.
Pancreatic Surgeries may be done as open surgeries or laparoscopic procedures. Several pancreatic surgical procedures are available depending on the underlying condition that is being treated.
Some of these Pancreatic Surgeries include:
Some indications for Pancreatic Surgeries include the following:
Some contraindications for Pancreatic Surgeries include:
Some investigations that are done before Pancreatic Surgeries include:
Before Pancreatic Surgeries, the following is usually done:
Duration: Pancreatic Surgeries can last between 3 to 6 hours or more depending on the procedure.
Anaesthesia: Antibiotic surgeries are done under general anaesthesia with epidural pain management for postoperative pain.
With the individual lying on his/her back, iv lines and a urinary catheter is put in place, and after the general anaesthetic has taken effect either a subcostal incision or a midline incision is given in the abdomen. If laparoscopic surgeries are being done then, multiple small incisions are given in the abdomen and abdominal insufflation is done; fibre optic scope and other surgical instruments are introduced through the incisions to perform the pancreatic surgery.
Depending on the procedure that is being done, the head of the pancreas, the tail of the pancreas, the entire pancreas, a part of the duodenum, a part of the stomach, the spleen, may be resected and removed. In some procedures, the remaining part of the pancreas and the pancreatic duct may be attached to a loop of the intestine. Other procedures such as removal of pancreatic stones, drainage of cysts, resection of locally resectable tumors, etc., are done.
Once the procedure is complete the abdominal incisions are closed with sutures; in laparoscopic surgeries, insufflation is done, surgical instruments are removed and the abdominal incisions are closed with sutures.
After Pancreatic Surgeries, the following are done:
Common post-procedure occurrences:
Discharge: Usually 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
Medications: Pain relievers and antibiotics are prescribed.
Review: Usually one week after discharge and periodic checkups thereon.
Resumption of normal activity: Usually 4 to 8 weeks after the procedure.
Some measures that may be taken after Pancreatic Surgeries include:
Some complications that may be seen after Pancreatic Surgeries include:
The prognosis of Pancreatic Surgeries depends on the underlying condition that is being treated and the general health of the individual. Pancreatic Surgeries for certain conditions results in the alleviation of symptoms and a better quality of life. The risk of mortality and morbidity of Pancreatic Surgeries is increased in men, and the presence of obesity, history of smoking, long term use of steroids, and the presence of neurologic disease.
Hospitalization will be required for Pancreatic Surgeries.
Pancreatic Surgeries are done by specialists from the Department of Interventional Endoscopic Surgery and Surgical Gastroenterology.