Pancreas Surgery (Benign and Cancerous)

Pancreas Surgery (Benign and Cancerous)

At our Department of General Surgery, we rarely see patients with clear symptoms of pancreatic problems. Most patients walk in with something vague, upper abdominal discomfort, a sense of heaviness after meals, or unexplained weight loss over 2–3 months. By the time we evaluate further, the issue may already be more advanced than expected. The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, tucked behind the stomach, roughly at the level of the first and second lumbar vertebrae. Because of this location, small abnormalities often go unnoticed initially.

We don’t see only cancer here. A large number of patients present with non-cancerous conditions.

Common scenarios include:

  • Chronic pancreatitis is often linked to long-standing alcohol use or metabolic causes
  • Pancreatic cysts are sometimes found incidentally during a scan
  • Benign tumours or neuroendocrine growths
  • Pancreatic cancer, especially involving the head of the pancreas
  • Bile duct or ampullary tumours, which indirectly affect pancreatic drainage

Each behaves differently. Some remain stable for years; others progress quietly.

Common symptoms to note

There is no single “classic” symptom. That makes things tricky.

Patients may report:

  • Dull pain in the upper abdomen, often radiating to the back
  • Yellowish discoloration of the eyes (jaundice), especially when the bile duct is compressed
  • Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
  • Greasy, foul-smelling stools due to fat malabsorption
  • New-onset diabetes in someone previously non-diabetic

Sometimes, the pain is not severe. Just persistent. That’s what usually prompts evaluation.

Here are some of the most common tests that help diagnose the need for a pancreas surgery.

  • CT scan (contrast-enhanced) to assess size, location, and vascular involvement
  • MRI or MRCP to evaluate the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts
  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with biopsy in selected cases
  • Blood tests, including tumour markers like CA 19-9, though not always definitive

No single test answers everything. The interpretation is often layered.

Understanding the Types of Pancreatic Surgery

Surgery depends heavily on where the lesion lies.

1. Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)

This is the most commonly discussed surgery. It involves removing:

  • The head of the pancreas
  • The first part of the small intestine (duodenum, around 20–25 cm segment)
  • The gallbladder and part of the bile duct

After removal, reconstruction is done so that food, bile, and pancreatic enzymes can still mix. It’s complex. Usually takes several hours.

2. Distal Pancreatectomy

Used when the disease is in the body or tail (left side) of the pancreas.

Sometimes, the spleen is also removed.

3. Total Pancreatectomy

Less common, but required in selected cases. The entire pancreas is removed.

Patients will need lifelong insulin and enzyme supplements after this.

4. Vascular Resection and Reconstruction

If nearby vessels, such as the superior mesenteric vein, are involved, parts may be removed and reconstructed. Not all patients are suitable for this.

Our team at UMC Hospitals offers the most advanced pancreas surgery in Navi Mumbai after careful evaluation.

Yes, this is a high-risk surgery. The pancreas lies close to major blood vessels and ducts. Risks include:

  • Leakage from pancreatic or bile duct connections
  • Bleeding, sometimes delayed
  • Infection within the abdomen
  • Delayed gastric emptying (patients feel full quickly after surgery)

Even in experienced hands, recovery may not always be straightforward.

Our highly trained doctors assist patients with pancreatic tumor surgery in Navi Mumbai at UMC Hospitals.

Recovery is gradual. There’s no shortcut here.

In the first few days:

  • Patients are monitored closely for blood pressure, sugar levels, and fluid balance
  • Oral intake is started slowly, often after bowel function returns

Over the next few weeks:

  • Diet is modified to small, frequent meals
  • Pancreatic enzyme supplements may be needed for digestion
  • Weight loss is common initially

Most patients take about 4–6 weeks to resume their basic routine, though full recovery may take longer. Patients require individualized diet plans.

Pancreatic conditions require coordinated care rather than isolated decision-making. At UMC Hospitals, we are committed to offering the best pancreatic cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai.

Our care involves:

  • Detailed imaging and staging before surgery
  • Multidisciplinary discussion between surgeons, gastroenterologists, and oncologists
  • Selection of appropriate surgical approach, open, laparoscopic, or robotic, where feasible
  • Structured post-operative care, including nutrition and metabolic support

The focus remains on safe resection where possible, symptom relief when needed, and maintaining quality of life.