Medindia
Personalized health information & news! Click Here
Medindia » Surgical Procedure

Pancreatectomy

Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Oct 08, 2015


About Pancreas

The pancreas is an important organ of the body. Its functions not only include secreting digestive juices, but it also secretes insulin and glucagon that are important for the control of blood sugar.


The pancreas has an elongated shape and lies just below the stomach. It has the following parts - head with uncinate process, neck, body and tail. The head is located in the curve of the duodenum, the first part of the intestine, and secretes digestive juices in this part. The tail is located close to the spleen.





What is Pancreatectomy?

Pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure for removing the entire or part of the pancreas.

What are the Conditions that Require Pancreatectomy?

Conditions affecting the pancreas sometimes require pancreatectomy. These include:

What are the Types of Pancreatectomies?

Pancreatectomy is classified into several types:
Partial pancreatectomy is of several types:
During the pancreatectomy surgery, a tube is inserted into the abdomen to drain out fluid. In addition, tubes may be inserted into the stomach to prevent nausea and vomiting, and into the intestine to provide nutrition. These are removed, as the patient gets better.

What are the Tests Recommended Before a Pancreatectomy Procedure?

Tests recommended before pancreatectomy will include those to diagnose the underlying condition, and to study the extent of the disease like cancer. Commonly used tests for pancreatic disease include blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan of the abdomen, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and needle biopsy of the pancreas.

What are the Complications Associated with Pancreatectomy?

Complications associated with pancreatectomy include:
Following complete pancreatectomy, the patient may suffer from:

View Non AMP Site | Back to top ↑