Pancreas Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
Pancreas surgery is a surgical intervention for the disease or malfunction of the pancreas, including pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and cysts. It is of great value in enhancing the lives of patients by its capacity to cure severe diseases. This review describes all there is to know about pancreas surgery, such as its types, procedural steps, advantages, complications, cost and leading gastrointestinal specialty hospitals in India.
What is Pancreas Surgery?
Pancreas surgery consists of resections, repairs, and replacements of the pancreas. Doctors usually perform it if pathologies (e.g., tumors, pancreatitis, cysts) involve the pancreas itself. Depending e.g., on the disease, a partial or full pancreatic resection may be necessary.
Why is Pancreas Surgery Needed?
Pancreas surgery is necessary for patients suffering from
- Pancreatic Cancer: To remove cancerous growths.
- Chronic Pancreatitis: To alleviate inflammation and pain.
- Cysts or Tumors: To remove non-cancerous or cancerous growths.
- Injuries: To repair damage caused by trauma to the pancreas.
- Diabetes Management: Rarely, it helps manage diabetes-related complications.
Types of Pancreas Surgery
- Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): Excised head of the pancreas and portion of the stomach, intestine and gallbladder.
- Distal Pancreatectomy: Surgeons commonly excise the pancreatic body and tail when they need to resect pancreatic cysts or pancreatic tumors.
- Total Pancreatectomy: Exercises the entire pancreas (by a result of large cancer or chronic pancreatitis).
- Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopic/Robotic Surgery): Minimal scar with very small incisions, which leads to quicker rehabilitation.
Procedure Steps
- Pre-Surgery Evaluation: Blood tests and imaging scans (CT or MRI) and consultation with specialists.
- Anesthesia Administration: The patient is put under general anesthesia.
- Incision and Access: The pancreas is entered by a surgeon through incision.
- Surgical Removal/Repair: Pancreatic unhealthy or pathological tissues are resected or mended.
- Closure and Recovery: The incision is sealed and the patient is taken to the recovery room for a post-operative examination.
Benefits of Pancreas Surgery
- Removal of cancerous growths can extend life expectancy.
- Alleviates chronic pain and inflammation.
- Improves digestion and overall quality of life.
- Takes part in the treatment or reversal of complications of pancreatic diseases.
Risks and Complications
Surgery of the pancreas is a multifactorial tool but may be accompanied, for example:
- Infections: Post-surgical wound infections.
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
- Diabetes: Insulin production loss if the pancreas is completely explanted.
- Digestive Issues: Difficulty digesting food due to enzyme deficiency.
- Organ Damage: Accidental damage to nearby organs.
Cost of pancreatic surgeries in India and the United States of America.
- India: Pancreatectomy (in India) typically costs between $6,000 to $12,000 for the procedure and surgery conducted at different types of hospitals.
- USA: The cost of the process is estimated to be US $50,000 to $70,000 currency based in the USA.
India provides a low-cost, economical-quality surgical treatment performed by experienced surgeons and using modern medical apparatus.
Top Hospitals in India for Pancreas Surgery
- AIIMS, New Delhi: Renowned for complex surgeries and affordable care.
- Fortis Hospital, Mumbai: Equipped with advanced technology and expert surgeons.
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai: Known for excellent post-surgical care.
- Medanta, The Medicity, Gurugram: Specializes in minimally invasive surgeries.
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi: Offers world-class pancreatic care.
