Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
After a total pancreatectomy, the body loses the ability to secrete insulin, enzymes, and other substances; therefore, the patient has to take supplements for the rest of his/her life.
Patients usually resume normal activities within a month....
They are asked to avoid heavy lifting for six to eight weeks following surgery and not to drive as long as they take narcotic medication.
When a pancreatectomy is performed for chronic pancreatitis, the majority of patients obtain some relief from pain. Some studies report that one-half to three-quarters of patients become free of pain.
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Other Information
Pancreatectomy is a medical term referring to surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas.
The most common surgical procedure is called pancreaticoduodenectomy. Among common consequences of complete or nearly complete pancreatectomy are deficiencies of pancreatic endocrine or exocrine function requiring replacement of insulin or digestive enzymes. The patient becomes immediately, a type I diabetic, with no hope for future Type I diabetes treatements, since the pancreas is either partially or completely absent. Type I diabetes is one of the hardest diseases to maintain and mortality is very high. Pancreatectomy should NEVER be given as an option for pancreatic disease who's main symptom is pain. It is very important to note that even after pancreatectomy, pain still exists in most patients.
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