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Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Pancreatic cancer surgery involves removing the tumor from the pancreas, often through a procedure like the Whipple surgery. It is typically performed when the cancer is localized and offers the best chance for long-term survival.

Recovery Timeline

Hospital stay: 7–10 days
Return to normal diet: within 2 weeks
Resume work: 4–6 weeks
Full recovery: 8–12 weeks

Diet and Lifestyle

Small, frequent meals
Avoid high-fat/high-sugar foods
Pancreatic enzyme supplements are often required
Stay hydrated
Avoid alcohol
Regular follow-ups with imaging and CA 19-9 monitoring

Diagnostic Tests

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with biopsy
CT Scan (Abdomen) with contrast
MRI/MRCP
CA 19-9 Blood Test (tumor marker)
PET Scan

Treatment

Neoadjuvant Therapy: Chemotherapy (e.g., FOLFIRINOX, Gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel), often with or without radiation therapy, is increasingly used before surgery for localized pancreatic cancer to improve resectability and outcomes.
Multiagent Chemotherapy: Cornerstones of treatment for metastatic disease.
Targeted Therapies: For specific molecular alterations (e.g., BRCA1/2, BRAF V600E, KRAS G12C, MSI-H/TMB-H).

Surgical Options

Whipple's Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): Complex surgery for tumors in the head of the pancreas, involving removal of the pancreatic head, duodenum, part of the bile duct, and gallbladder, followed by reconstruction.
Distal Pancreatectomy: Removal of the tail and sometimes the body of the pancreas, often with splenectomy. Can be performed laparoscopically or robotically.
Central Pancreatectomy: Removal of the mid-portion of the pancreas, preserving the head and tail.