The pancreatic cancer is found to be one of the fatal forms of gastrointestinal malignancy. But then fortunately selective group of patients do experience the benefits of a pancreatectomy surgical procedure when performed by skilled and experienced surgeons. In the recent years 5-10% decrease has been observed in the rate of mortality depending on how extensive the surgery was and the experience of the surgeon. At John Hopkins Medical Institution Baltimore a study revealed the death of 1.4% patient due to total pancreatectomy complications.
About the ailment
The total pancreatectomy procedure is very effective as pancreatic cancer treatment. Pancreas is an organ located close to stomach and almost about the size of the hand which is responsible for secreting insulin, enzymes and other hormones. The part closest to the small intestine (duodenum) is the thickest part of the pancreas called the head, while thinnest tapering part very close to the spleen is called the tail and the middle part is named the body.
Patients who need the surgery will have small tumors in the head of the pancreas and will suffer from jaundice. People undergoing a surgical removal of the tumor must be diagnosed with the problem early enough. They will show no evidence of the metastatic nature of cancer i.e. the spreading of the cancer. Depending upon the stage of the disease it shall be determined whether the pancreatectomy performed shall be total or distal.
In case of patients whose pancreas has undergone severe injury or trauma a partial pancreatectomy can be the solution. In this case the injury is suffered by the body and tail of the pancreas. Normal pancreatic tissue is also removed in such surgeries but there are hardly any side effects or minimal effect in the function of the pancreas like production of hormones, digestive enzymes and insulin.
In case of chronic pancreatitis the pancreatectomy is seldom performed. In this case the pancreas keeps getting inflamed which results in the damage of the organ. If left untreated it can lead to acute pancreatitis.
Pancreatic cancer prognosis reveals that larger the tumor, worse gets the chances of cure. But in rare cases it has been observed that even a tumor as large as 4-5 cm has been effectively removed. Technology and options of treatments have improved but still the pancreatic cancer is considered a very lethal ailment.
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
The reasons behind the chronic pancreatitis are mainly because of alcohol abuse or presence of gall stones. Other causes include
- Genetic mutations
- Age
- Food habits and drug abuse
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Long standing Diabetes mellitus problem
- Obesity
What are pancreatic cancer symptoms?
In case of cancerous tissues, they grow very rapidly in the organ without showing any symptoms till a condition is reached when the patient has actually reached a critical stage. After reaching the critical stage the patient can start showing various symptoms like
- Pain experienced in the upper abdomen
- Jaundice where skin and eyes start yellowing
- Appetite loss
- Dark Urine formation
- Nauseating feeling and vomiting
- Back pain experienced
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Stools turning paled colored
- Diarrhea
- Irritation felt in skin like itching
- Depression
- Back pain
- Weight loss experienced suddenly
- Symptoms of the digestive system very often dominate the pancreatic cancer symptoms since the organ is very close to the stomach.
What are my alternatives for total pancreatectomy?
Total pancreatectomy procedure as such ideally speaking has no such alternative except for the fact that the kind of pancreatectomy can be varied in terms of the extent to which the pancreas has suffered damage. A pancreas transplant can also be considered in rare cases.
Pancreatic cancer treatment options
For the treatment of pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis, there are quite a few treatment options:
What is the Whipple procedure?
It is a very demanding procedure and also known as pancreatoduodenectomy where a part of the pancreas, along with duodenum of the small intestine and the gallbladder is removed. Pancreas surgery usually aims at treating pancreatic cancer which is usually confined till the head of the pancreas. But in many cases it also aims at treating some of the tumors and abnormalities of the bile duct and small intestine. After the procedure the surgeon works to re attach the remaining portions of the digestive system to enable the patient to digest food normally and remove waste in a natural way from body.
What is a total pancreatectomy?
In a total pancreatectomy the total pancreas gets removed along with gall bladder, spleen, common bile duct and some portions of the stomach and small intestine.
What is distal pancreatectomy?
When there is a tumor in the bottom half of the pancreas like in the body or the tail, it must be removed with a distal pancreatectomy where this bottom half is removed surgically.
- Infection and bleeding
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Pancreatic fistula
- Diabetes due to reduced insulin production
- Digestive enzyme deficiency
- Blood clots and anesthesia-related risks
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Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre
Chennai, India
The mega-structure of RIMC serves as a hospital as well as an educational institute. Hence, it offers a huge array of medical services and facilities to cater to the needs of its patients.
Fertility Services - RIMC specializes in both male and female fertility and in procedures like IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Uterine Transplants, Preimplantation genetics and Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH).
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Radiology and Imaging Sciences - RIMC has the infrastructure to support high-quality scans including 128 Slice CT, Cardiac MRI, and 3 Tesla MRIs.
Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine - RIMC has an active blood bank system with facilities dedicated to Blood Component Separation and Therapy. They use high-end technology like the Automated 1H500 Analyser and have a separate Therapeutic Apheresis Unit.
Advanced Endoscopy - Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre has one of the most advanced hospital facilities with an individual healthcare unit specifically dedicated to Endoscopy. Advanced procedures like Spyglass Cholangioscopy, Laser therapy, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Capsule Endoscopy, and special ERCP and EUS Suite.
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- Orthopaedics
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Apart from these facilities, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre also have a preventive health check lounge, 72 consultation suites, and 360 degrees including lab facilities specifically for outpatients.
Visit Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre in Chromepet, Chennai today and find the best care for you and your loved ones.
Vinmec Times City
Ha noi, Vietnam
- Vinmec Times City International Hospital is the first hospital to be launched within the Vinmec Healthcare System.
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- It is the first general hospital in Vietnam to receive JCI accreditation, a globally recognised certification for healthcare quality and safety.
- The medical team comprises highly qualified Vietnamese and international doctors with extensive clinical expertise.
- Vinmec Times City provides comprehensive healthcare services, including outpatient care, inpatient treatment, and emergency services.
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- On-site imaging, radiology, and laboratory departments ensure fast and accurate diagnostic support.
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Vinmec Phu Quoc Hospital
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Phu Quoc Island lacked access to modern, high-quality healthcare infrastructure suitable for both its residents and the growing number of tourists.
- The local healthcare system faced challenges in meeting international standards for emergency, diagnostic, and speciality care.
- There was a strong demand for a facility that could offer comprehensive and reliable medical services across a wide range of specialities.
- Vinmec Phu Quoc General Hospital was launched in June 2015 as part of the Vinmec Healthcare System to close this healthcare gap.
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- Operates in line with internationally recognised standards, such as those outlined by the Joint Commission International (JCI), to ensure patient safety and service excellence.
- Outfitted with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including MRI, CT scanners, digital X-rays, and more to support high-precision care.
- Maintains 24/7 emergency response capabilities to address critical cases at any time.
- Engages highly qualified healthcare providers, including doctors and specialists who have trained and worked at prestigious hospitals both within Vietnam and internationally.
- The hospital’s design emphasises eco-friendliness and natural lighting, fostering a therapeutic environment for patients.
- To offer premium healthcare services on Phu Quoc Island, aligned with international benchmarks and suitable for both domestic and global patients.
- To contribute to Vinmec’s vision of becoming a leader in academic medicine through research, education, and clinical excellence.
- To ensure that every patient receives compassionate, ethical, and highly skilled care tailored to their unique health needs.
- To position Vinmec Phu Quoc as a trusted medical destination that combines advanced technology, modern infrastructure, and exceptional patient service.
Casa di Cura La Madonnina
milan, Italy
- Casa di Cura La Madonnina is a renowned multidisciplinary private clinic in Milan, Italy. It provides premium healthcare services with a focus on advanced diagnostics, personalised care, and surgical excellence. The clinic offers state-of-the-art operating rooms, luxury patient rooms, and an exclusive patient experience for both Italian and international patients. It is recognised for its expertise in fields such as fertility and IVF, cardiology, plastic surgery, and digestive endoscopy.
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Bangalore, India
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta located in Bengaluru, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
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Sarvodaya Hospital and Research Centre located in Faridabad, India is accredited by NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
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- A dedicated dialysis unit for people with kidney conditions.
- The hospital has a cancer center which makes cancer treatment a seamless process.
- There is an upcoming oncology center in Sarvodaya Hospital Faridabad.
- Technologies such as 128 Slice CT scan, 500 MA X-Ray, 1.5 Tesla MRI and Mammography facility.
Fortis Hospital
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Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, has been a leading multi-speciality healthcare institution, offering advanced medical services with a patient-centric approach. The hospital features 400+ beds, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and experienced specialists across various specialities, providing comprehensive and compassionate care. Trusted by patients from India and abroad, Fortis Bannerghatta Road combines modern technology with high-quality treatment to deliver world-class healthcare.
Fortis Hospital
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Fortis Hospital & Kidney Institute, Kolkata, is a 60-bed specialised centre for Urology and Nephrology, serving patients across Eastern India. Since its inauguration in 1999, the institute has pioneered advanced treatments like lithotripsy, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, PCNL, and Holmium Laser prostate surgery, and has performed over 570 kidney transplants. Spread over 6 floors, it offers 4 operating theatres, a 12-bed dialysis unit, 24-hour renal emergencies, and a fully equipped laboratory, providing comprehensive, patient-focused care in renal and urological health.
Medicover Hungary
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Medicover Hungary located in Budapest, Hungary is accredited by ISO. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
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- 3 clinics in Budapest
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Medipol Mega University Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Medipol Mega University Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The Hospital includes 4 centers i.e. general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, oncology, and dentistry
- Medipol patients have access to over 60,000 m2 of the gardens, 26,000 m2 of the five-storied underground parking, 100,000 m2 covered premises and 1,500 members of the stuff
- Capacity of 470 patient beds
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- 25 Operating rooms
- Medipol Mega University Hospital uses the following innovative technologies- Biplane digital flat-panel angiographic system, Digital flat-panel tomosynthetic mammography, Surgical O-ARM PEROP CT Imaging system, etc.
- Helicopters enabling the transfer of the patient at the most emergency cases
- The Hospital creates a friendly & comfortable ambience for the patients and their relatives with terrace garden suites, normal rooms. Each room is equipped with multimedia services like TV, DVD, Internet, online access from patients bedside, Unlimited Digital Archive pacs and high-quality meal service
- Prayer Room
- 5-starred cafeteria/restaurant
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+99Process Involved for Pancreatectomy
- Before surgery, the patient undergoes blood tests and imaging studies (e.g., CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans) to determine the size, location, and extent of pancreatic disease and to inform the surgical approach.
- The nutritionist assesses the patient’s nutrition, weight, and digestive function to optimise strength prior to surgery and minimise post-surgical complications.
- The anesthesiologist assesses whether the patient is fit for general anesthesia, and reviews their medical history, medications, and heart and lung function to ensure safety during surgery.
- The surgical approach to removing the pancreas will depend on the extent of the disease and will involve either an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach.
- After surgery, patients will be monitored closely in the ICU for vital signs, pain levels, blood glucose levels, and gastrointestinal function to detect complications early.
- Rehabilitation after pancreatotomy includes returning to eating gradually, managing enzymes and insulin if necessary, receiving physical rehabilitation, and attending regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and disease control.
- Pancreatic cancer
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Pancreatic cysts and precancerous lesions
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Pancreatic trauma
- Whipple procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
- Distal pancreatectomy
- Total pancreatectomy
- Laparoscopic pancreatectomy
- Robotic-assisted pancreatectomy
- Patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, tumors, or cysts
- Individuals with chronic pancreatitis unresponsive to medical treatment
- Patients with precancerous pancreatic lesions
- Patients medically fit for major abdominal surgery
- No extensive cancer spread to distant organs
- Surgical staples
- Absorbable sutures
- Temporary drainage tubes
- Pancreatic stents (if required)
- Bile duct reconstruction
- Gastric or intestinal reconstruction
- Lymph node dissection
- Feeding tube placement
- Gallbladder removal
- Removal of cancerous or diseased pancreatic tissue
- Improved survival in pancreatic cancer
- Relief from chronic pain in pancreatitis
- Prevention of disease progression
- Improved quality of life
- Complete or partial removal of diseased pancreas
- Improved digestion with enzyme supplementation
- Better blood sugar control with proper management
- Reduced cancer recurrence risk
- Long-term disease control
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