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Surgical Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant disease characterized by the proliferation of atypical cells in the pancreas. Men over 50 are more prone to this pathology. According to statistics, 80% of pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas (malignant transformation of glandular epithelium). The disease progresses rapidly, affecting an increasing area of the pancreas and leading to severe complications, making immediate surgical treatment necessary.

When is Pancreatic Tumor Removal Needed?

To determine the appropriate treatment method, a comprehensive examination is required. If a benign hormonal tumor or cyst is detected, doctors may monitor the patient. The diagnosis of "Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma" in 100% of cases requires surgical intervention. The cancer is highly aggressive and asymptomatic in its early stages, making early diagnosis and treatment challenging. Only in cases of advanced-stage cancer with multiple metastases and severe general condition, the removal of the tumor may not be performed.

Preparation for Surgery

The success of the surgical intervention depends on the detailed diagnosis of the malignant tumor. The following tests are performed:

Abdominal ultrasound
CT scan with contrast
Oncomarker analysis
General blood and urine tests
Biochemical blood analysis
Angiography
Diagnostic laparoscopy with biopsy

It is essential to determine the extent of the malignancy and its involvement with surrounding blood vessels and organs, as this will affect the surgical approach. Proper preoperative preparation reduces mortality during pancreatic cancer removal surgery. The process usually lasts 2-3 hours and includes:

Correction of water-electrolyte balance
Final examinations
Administration of tranquilizers, analgesics, antibiotics
Venous and bladder catheterization
Hemodynamic correction
Cleansing enema

After these procedures, the patient is transferred to the operating room, anesthesia is administered, and the surgical treatment begins.

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How is Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Performed?

The surgical approach depends on the spread of the malignant tumor. In the early stages of cancer, laparoscopic surgery may be performed, where access to the pancreas is created through small incisions in the front abdominal wall. In more complex cases, the tumor is removed through laparotomy (open access via an incision). For pancreatic tumor removal, doctors at the "Helyos" Center perform the following surgeries:

Distal Pancreatectomy: A minimally invasive surgery used when the malignant process is located in the tail of the pancreas. It involves partial removal of the organ and surrounding affected tissues. This is applied in early-stage cancer.
Total Pancreatectomy: Radical removal of the entire pancreas along with adjacent blood vessels. This procedure is used when the tumor is large and affects the entire pancreas.
Whipple Procedure: Applied when the malignant tumor has spread to the stomach and duodenum. It involves a complex pancreaticoduodenectomy with removal of adjacent blood vessels and subsequent anastomosis creation.

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Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation period depends on the complexity of the surgery. After laparoscopic resection of part of the pancreas, patients stay under medical supervision for 2-5 days, after which they are sent home for recovery. The patient must follow a diet and limit physical activity for up to 2 months. Total removal of the pancreas requires lifelong intake of enzymatic medications, and the rehabilitation period may last up to 6 months. After cancer removal, the patient must undergo regular oncological screenings for early detection of metastases.

Advantages of Pancreatic Cancer Surgery at the Helyos Clinic

The "Helyos" Medical Center is equipped with all the necessary modern equipment to successfully perform surgeries of any complexity. Our doctors apply a comprehensive, individualized approach to each patient, conduct thorough diagnostics, and select the most effective treatment methods. The clinic in Dnipro is staffed with experienced specialists of the highest category, who use the latest techniques and show the best treatment results for pancreatic cancer. Each patient room in the medical center is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay before and after surgery.