Pancreatectomy: Procedure, Types, Indications, and Recovery

A pancreatectomy removes part or all of the pancreas (abdominal gland producing digestive enzymes and insulin/glucagon).

Types

1. Total Pancreatectomy: Entire pancreas removed; rare due to resulting diabetes/digestive issues.
2. Partial (Distal) Pancreatectomy: Tail and body removed; head preserved.
3. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure): Head of pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder removed; for pancreatic cancer/tumors.

Indications

• Cancer
• Chronic pancreatitis unresponsive to treatment
• Severe trauma/injury
• Congenital malformations/duct blockages

Risks

• Bleeding, infection, pancreatic fistula
• Diabetes (loss of insulin-producing cells)
• Digestive issues (insufficient enzymes)
• Malabsorption/nutritional deficiencies

Post-Op Care

Hospital stay several days; ongoing enzyme replacement, insulin therapy (if diabetic), dietary adjustments.

Major surgery but life-saving for certain pancreatic conditions.