What is surgery for pancreatic cancer?

Surgery for pancreatic cancer removes part or all of the pancreas. Other organs might also be removed. You and your doctor will plan your surgery based on your wishes and the stage of the cancer. Every person's treatment plan and surgery are different. Your doctor will tell you what will be removed.

Depending upon where the cancer is located in your pancreas, your doctor may:

• Take out the thick end (head) of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, and other nearby tissues. The doctor may also remove part of the stomach. This is called a Whipple procedure.
• Take out the narrow end (tail) and the body of the pancreas. Often the spleen is also removed. This is called a distal pancreatectomy.
• Take out the whole pancreas, part of the stomach, part of the small intestine, the common bile duct, gallbladder, spleen, and nearby lymph nodes. This is called a total pancreatectomy.

You will be in the hospital for about a week after the surgery. You will probably be able to go back to work or your normal routine in about 1 month. It will probably take about 3 months until your strength is back to normal. You may need more treatment for the cancer. This may include chemotherapy or radiation.

Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may need to take enzyme supplements to replace the digestive enzymes made by the pancreas. In rare cases, the entire pancreas is removed, causing diabetes. If this is the case, you will need insulin to maintain blood sugar levels.

What happens on the day of surgery?

• 
  Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
• Take off all jewellery and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.
• Leave all valuables at home.

At the hospital or surgery centre

• 
  Bring a picture ID.
• Before surgery you will be asked to repeat your full name, what surgery you are having, and what part of your body is being operated on. The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors.
• A small tube (IV) will be placed in a vein, to give you fluids and medicine to help you relax. Because of the combination of medicines given to keep you comfortable, you may not remember much about the operating room.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You will be asleep during the surgery.
• The surgery usually takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the type.
• As you wake up in the recovery room, the nurse will check to be sure you are stable and comfortable. It is important for you to tell your doctor and nurse how you feel and ask questions about any concerns you may have.