Total Pancreatectomy

Total pancreatectomy is performed to treat pancreatic cancer. The procedure involves removal of the total pancreas along with the common bile duct and gallbladder. In some cases, a portion of the stomach and small intestine is also removed.

Pancreatic cancer treatment is, in fact, best conducted by pancreas removal. The procedure is sometimes combined with islet cell transplant. This type of transplantation is conducted out of the patient’s own insulin-producing cells to prevent the patient from becoming diabetic.

During pancreas surgery, the stomach is first divided and then it is detached. Then, the pancreas is eliminated with the connected section of your small intestine. In the process, the bile duct, spleen and gallbladder is removed.

Many tubes are inserted during pancreas surgery to ensure that postoperative care is adequately taken. Pancreatic surgery success rate can be increased by combining it with the Whipple procedure. Your life term can be increased by five years. However, if your pancreas is removed, then you will have to intake insulin and enzyme supplements for the rest of life.