Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer. The disease shows no early symptoms and often spreads to other organs long before it is properly diagnosed. Due to such poor prognosis, only around 6% of the pancreatic cancer patients are healthy and alive 5 years after the first diagnosis.

One of the most common surgeries to remove tumours from the pancreas is Pancreaticoduodenectomy, that is commonly called Whipples surgery. The primary aim of the procedure is to cure cancers or disorders that are identified in the pancreas, bile duct or the duodenum. Here, the tumour is removed to prevent it from spreading to other organs, thus improving the life expectancy of the patient. 

Whipple's Procedure

Before the surgery, an intravenous line will be injected to your arm, to provide you with the necessary medication. Medicines may be passed through this line to soothe your nerves. A spinal injection or an epidural catheter may be placed. This helps you to recover painlessly after the surgery.

The surgery can be carried out in different ways  

Open surgery

Here, the surgeon makes a small incision in your abdomen to access the pancreas and other organs. This is the most common method. This is a complicated operation where the tip of the pancreas, the gallbladder, the bile duct and the initial portion of the small intestine are removed. It is performed to treat cancers that are present on the head of the pancreas. 

Laparoscopic surgery

Here several small incisions are made in your abdomen to insert a camera that transmits the live video of the abdomen to a monitor. According to the live feed, the surgeon performs the operation by using surgical tools. It is a common form of minimally invasive surgery.

Robotic operation

This is another type of minimally invasive surgery where the surgical tools are attached to a special robot. Here, the doctor uses a console to control the robot to perform the surgery. This is used because surgical robots can reach and operate in spaces and corners where the human hands may not reach during surgery.

 The Whipples surgery can take 4 to 12 hours depending upon the approach being used and the complexity of the process. During the surgery, you will be given general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep.

In some cases, a part of your stomach or nearby lymph nodes may be removed to treat the cancer growths. After the process, the doctor will reconnect the other organs so that you can digest food normally.

After the procedure, you may face problems while emptying your bowels. The condition improves around 7 to 10 days after the surgery. Most patients are able to return back to their normal life usually around 6 weeks after the procedure.

It is recommended that you follow the doctor s instructions after the surgery and stick to the diet prescribed. Additionally, keep the incision protected from sunlight and remove the bandages only after consulting the doctors. 

 

 

Whipples Surgery & Pancreatic Cancer - Know About Them!

Chronic pancreatitis refers to an inflammation of the pancreas   the organ that creates enzymes and hormones to manage blood sugar levels and aids in digestion. The condition either does not heal completely and keeps coming back, or persists for months or years at a stretch.

Chronic pancreatitis is a serious, debilitating condition, which can potentially lead to permanent damage and scarring of the organ. The following are the consequences-

  Formation of cysts and calcium stones in the pancreas
  Blockage of the gastrointestinal tract
  Malnutrition
  Diabetes

The condition is most likely to develop between the ages of 30 and 40 and is commonly observed in men than in women.

Causes of Chronic Pancreatitis:

A number of factors are responsible for long-term pancreatitis. The most common ones include-

  Alcohol abuse   Reportedly, 70% of all cases regarding the condition is related to alcohol consumption
  Autoimmune diseases   When your body attacks the healthy tissues and cells mistakenly
  Genetics
  A constrict pancreatic duct   The tube that carries enzymes to the small intestine from the pancreas
  A blockage of the pancreatic duct by stones
  Cystic fibrosis   A hereditary disorder that causes mucus to build up in the lungs
  Hypercalcemia   When the level of calcium in the bloodstream increases abnormally
  Hypertriglyceridemia   When the level of triglycerides in the blood rises up

Warning Signs of Chronic Pancreatitis:

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis do not show up at the early stages. They become more evident when inflammation aggravates. However, you should look out for the following signs-

  Severe abdominal pain   Usually in the upper portion
  Loose stool that appears pale and does not flush away easily
  Vomiting and nausea
  Unintentional weight loss
  Fatigue
  Excessive thirst
  Shortness of breath
  Diarrhoea
  Jaundice
  Pancreatic fluids inside the stomach
  Intestinal blockage
  Internal bleeding

The above symptoms vary based on the severity of the condition. Painful episodes may last for days. For some people, drinking and eating seem difficult because that makes the pain worse. With the progression of persistent pancreatitis, the pain becomes constant. Seeking treatment at the earliest is necessary for the condition to heal.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

A blood test alone is not sufficient to detect the changes in your pancreas in the initial stages. An imaging test is the most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend the following tools-

  CT Scan
  X-ray
  Ultrasound
  MRI Scan

The objective of the treatment is to reduce pain and improve the functioning of your digestive system. The damage to the pancreas cannot be cured, but your doctor will prescribe necessary measures to manage the symptoms of the condition.

The primary treatment methods include endoscopic therapy, medications, and surgery.

  Medication - Pain killers, insulin steroids, and artificial digestive enzymes may be taken as per the doctor s recommendation
  Endoscopy - The procedure involves inserting a flexible, long tube (known as an endoscope) through the mouth. It allows the doctor to look at the pancreatic stones formed inside. He/she then removes the stones, places stents to improve the flow, and seals the leakage.
  Surgery - The last resort is surgery. The doctor will recommend it only if medications and endoscopy therapy have failed to rectify the painful symptoms. Removing a portion of the diseased pancreas can offer relief. Surgery may also be performed to drain cysts and to unblock or widen the pancreatic duct.

The outlook depends on the underlying causes and the seriousness of the disease. However, immediate treatment and diagnosis can improve the outlook. Consult a doctor as soon as you encounter the above symptoms of pancreatitis.

Chronic Pancreatitis - Everything You Should Be Knowing!

Pancreas is a small organ that is located in the lower part of the stomach. It lies just behind the abdomen. It functions by producing the insulin hormone which is responsible for regulating blood sugar level in the body and breaking down food into glucagon which is stored in the body. This glucagon is converted into glucose which is used by the body for energy and other purposes. Therefore, pancreatic transplant is done in patients with a malfunctioning pancreas.

Why is pancreatic transplant required?
Patients suffering from type I diabetes usually undergo a pancreatic transplant. Type I diabetes is characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin, thereby leading to low blood sugar level. This type of diabetes occurs due to the malfunction of pancreatic beta cells whose primary role is to produce insulin. These beta cells make up around 65 to 80 percent of the cells found in the pancreatic islets. They typically malfunction when the body's immune system begins to attack and destroy the pancreatic beta cells. Therefore, type I diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. Patients with type I diabetes require insulin injections that might cause severe reactions. People dependent on insulin are prone to the development of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy.

People with type II diabetes generally do not need pancreatic transplant because this type of diabetes occurs due to low production of insulin or lack of insulin resistance. Here is a list of the probable reasons why pancreatic transplant is required:

People who have type I diabetes but are not cured by standard treatment
Severe reactions to insulin injections
Low blood sugar
Kidney damage
Hypoglycemia unawareness
A pancreatic transplant can be of three types. They are:

Pancreas transplant only- People with type I diabetes and normally functioning kidneys require only a pancreatic transplant.
Pancreas and kidney transplant- Type I diabetes, in rare cases, leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or end-stage kidney disease where one or both the kidneys are damaged. In such cases, pancreas and kidney are transplanted simultaneously to disable the dependence on insulin injection. This type of surgery may also be required when the pancreas and the kidneys come from the same donor.
Pancreas-after-kidney transplant- In some cases of type I diabetes, your doctor will recommend kidney transplant first followed by pancreatic transplant. It must be remembered that pancreatic transplant should be done by taking into consideration the side-effects caused by the anti-rejection injections administered after the procedure is performed. It may cause bone thinning, high cholesterol and high blood pressure in a patient s body. As the anti-rejection injections work by suppressing the immune system, the body s defense mechanism against infections and other diseases becomes ineffective to a considerable extent.
A pancreatic transplant is a serious procedure that requires a lot of deliberations and consultations with your doctor and should only be opted for when the benefits outweigh the side effects from the anti-rejection medications.

Pancreatic Transplant - When Is It Required?

The pancreas is a gland located in the abdominal region that performs two main functions for the body: produces digestive juices and the hormone insulin which regulates the blood sugar levels. The part which produces the digestive juices is exocrine and the insulin-producing part is the endocrine portion. Pancreatic cancer, which is an uncontrolled growth of the pancreas cells, often starts in the exocrine portion and is known as the pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The one which develops in the endocrine portion is known as neuroendocrine cancer or islet cell tumors.

Risk factors
Though not clearly established, the following factors are believed to up the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Smoking
Family history
Prolonged uncontrolled diabetes
Pancreatic conditions like inherited pancreatitis
Chronic inflammation of the pancreas
Symptoms
A pancreatic condition is of insidious onset, and the exact period of onset cannot be determined. The symptoms also are nonspecific abdominal symptoms, which do not pinpoint the pancreas per se.

Jaundice, which includes yellowing of the skin and whites of the white. This is because the growth of the pancreas puts pressure on the liver and bile ducts, and so hampers bile flow.
Weight loss, which was unintended. This is due to a bloated feeling plus inability to digest the foods.
Severe pain, which can be difficult and may even require regular injections to control.
Fluctuating sugar levels, which is unexplained.
Onset of diabetes, which is associated with weight loss and jaundice.
Increased tendency for blood clots.
Loss of appetite.
Bowel obstruction due to blockage of the growing pancreas.
Diagnosis
The above symptoms could lead to a further investigation that includes a few important tests, like the following.

Blood tests
Insulin levels
CT scan
Ultrasound
MRI
Laparoscopy, both to look for the extent of the disease and to do a biopsy, which can be used for confirming the type of cancer
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography: A dye is injected into the pancreas to study the spread of the dye, which will also help identify the diseased portion.
Treatment
Pancreatic cancer is very aggressive, usually not detected early, and has a very poor prognosis. So, if there is a family history or one has a prolonged pancreatic condition, it is advisable to go for annual screening to help with early detection and intervention. Once identified, treatment would include a combination of the three modalities   surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Surgery often may be followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation.

Prognosis
The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is very poor. Only about 25% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer live past the first year. Early detection of risk factor remains the best way to improve prognosis. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Pancreatic Cancer - 8 Common Signs You Must Be Aware Of!

The inflammation of your pancreas over a short period of time indicates acute pancreatitis, which is a serious health condition. You may experience symptoms such as severe abdomen pain all of a sudden, diarrhoea and feeling of being sick. Acute pancreatitis occurs when there are some problems with certain enzymes in the pancreas. This condition is often associated with gallstones and alcohol consumption.


Treatment
Acute pancreatitis can be cured in a hospital, where you will get monitored for signs of serious issues. In some cases, supportive things like oxygen and fluids are required. Here are the various ways by which the condition can be treated:


1. Fluids: The body may get dehydrated during acute pancreatitis. Fluids are provided via a tube connected to one of the veins of the patient. This is known as intravenous or IV fluid. These fluids may help in the prevention of a problem called hypovolemic shock, which occurs when the amount of blood in your body gets lowered due to a drop in fluids. 
2. Nutrition: Diet is usually not restricted for people with acute pancreatitis, but some patients are recommended not to consume solid food for some time. Attempting to digest solid food may cause a strain on the pancreas. You may need to avoid solid food for some days. You should use a feeding tube to get essential nutrients. This process is called enteral feeding and it may involve the insertion of a tube into your stomach via the nose. 
3. Oxygen: For ensuring sufficient oxygen supply to your vital organs, you will be supplied with oxygen through the tubes on your nose. The tube may be removed when your condition improves. In some cases, ventilation equipment may be required for assistance to breathe.
4. Painkillers: Acute pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain and strong painkillers such as morphine may be given to the patient. These may make the patient feel drowsy. 


Treatment of underlying cause
After controlling the symptoms, the underlying cause must be treated. They are as follows:
1. Gallstone: When pancreatitis occurs because of a gallstone, you may require a process known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or ERCP. The gallbladder may have to be removed, if necessary. 


2. Alcohol consumption: After getting treated for acute pancreatitis and you have recovered from this condition, you should try to avoid alcohol completely. Alcohol may spoil your recovery and the condition might reoccur or the symptoms may reappear. For freedom from alcohol, you may try counselling, joining self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or take a medicine which reduces your craving for alcohol. 


It is recommended that you visit a doctor immediately after experiencing any slight or severe symptoms of acute pancreatitis. This will help in early diagnosis and the chances of the symptoms getting worse are prevented.

Acute Pancreatitis - Can it be Cured?

A pancreatic transplantation or pancreas transplantation refers to the surgical procedure, which involves replacing a dysfunctional pancreas with a healthy one.  The donor of the pancreas is usually a deceased person. Pancreas is an important organ of the body as it produces several important hormones, which play a significant role of regulating our body cycles. Pancreas transplantation is usually performed for the treatment of type 1 diabetes which is linked to the inability of the pancreas to produce the insulin hormone.

A pancreatic transplant is considered as one of the potential cures for type 1 diabetes. However it is not considered to be a standard treatment due to complications, such as:

Rejection of graft by the recipient body or similar complications
The medications which are given to prevent the rejection can have serious side effects too
Certain complications like blood clots or infections can occur following the procedure
Failure to control the blood sugar levels and rejection of the graft or complete pancreatic failure are Common complications that occur after a pancreas transplant.
These are the primary reasons why pancreas transplant is often considered to be one of the last measures of treating diabetes. Nevertheless, there are certain conditions where a pancreas transplant is worth considering. Some of the conditions include diabetes which cannot be controlled with the usual treatment procedure, chronic poor blood sugar control, insulin reactions which turns chronic or a serious kidney disease.

Certain medications are also prescribed for anti rejection purposes. These medications need to be taken after the operation for the rest of your life to prevent rejection of the donor graft. These medications can have a few adverse side effects. Some of the side effects include hypertension, thinning of your bones, unwanted weight gain and a rise in your cholesterol levels. Swollen gums or acne are also observed in several cases.  

Often a pancreas transplant is carried out along with a kidney transplant, especially if you have a serious kidney condition. It helps to provide a healthy kidney and a pancreas and also reduces a risk of kidney damage caused due to diabetes later in the future.

Know More About Pancreatic Transplantation!

Don't wait any longer, manage your Acute Pancreatitis online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Acute Pancreatitis - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES