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Surgical Treatment of Pancreatitis in Dnipro

The pancreas is one of the key organs of the digestive system. It produces enzymes essential for the breakdown and absorption of food, as well as hormones that regulate blood glucose levels. Due to various internal or external factors, pancreatic disorders may develop, often accompanied by severe symptoms and significant deterioration in overall health. In Dnipro, experienced specialists at the "Helyos" clinic provide professional treatment for pancreatic conditions.

What is Pancreatitis and What Causes It?

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas. In this disease, digestive enzymes do not reach the duodenum and instead begin to digest the pancreas itself. Pancreatitis can be either acute or chronic. Inflammation leads to tissue damage and can result in severe, life-threatening complications.

Common causes of pancreatitis include:

Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
Gallstones or bile duct blockages
High intake of fatty or spicy foods
Improper use of medications (especially those affecting the gastrointestinal tract)
Sudden fasting or overeating
Food poisoning or exposure to harmful substances
Pancreatic injury during surgery
Physical trauma
Narrowing of the sphincter of Oddi
Congenital anomalies of the digestive system
Associated infectious diseases (e.g., hepatitis)
Hereditary digestive disorders

Symptoms That Indicate the Need for Surgical Treatment

Initial management of pancreatitis is typically conservative. Surgery is considered when medications are ineffective, or the patient's condition worsens. There are also specific symptoms that are direct indications for surgical intervention:

Severe, persistent, and radiating abdominal pain not relieved by painkillers
Sudden deterioration in condition (e.g., low blood pressure, loss of consciousness)
Worsening pain in chronic pancreatitis
Persistent fever (above 37.5°C)
Vomiting with blood

Additional instrumental and laboratory tests help confirm the need for surgery. These include signs such as the presence of abscesses on ultrasound or persistent leukocytosis in blood tests. Without timely treatment, pancreatitis can lead to serious complications:

Peritoneal abscesses and fistulas
Acute peritonitis
Total necrosis of the pancreas and surrounding tissues
Sepsis
Multiple organ failure
Severe intoxication
Internal bleeding with anemia and hypovolemic shock
Untreated acute pancreatitis can be fatal

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Types of Surgeries for Pancreatitis

The choice of surgical technique depends on lab and imaging results. Surgical options for treating pancreatitis include:

Partial pancreatectomy: removal of necrotic parts of the pancreas
Total pancreatectomy: complete removal of the pancreas
Incision and drainage of cysts or abscesses
Removal of ductal stones
Sphincter of Oddi plasty
Creation of an artificial anastomosis between the duodenum and the pancreas
Pancreatic duct stenting

The "Helyos" Medical Center is equipped with advanced technology, allowing most surgeries to be performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive), which helps preserve healthy tissue and ensures a quicker recovery.

Preparing for Surgery

Before surgery, the doctors at "Helyos" will conduct a thorough health assessment and determine the exact indications for the procedure. Diagnostics typically include:

Clinical blood and urine tests
Abdominal ultrasound
CT or MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography)
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
Blood pressure measurement
ECG and more

If the operation is planned (non-emergency), patients may be prescribed enzyme-inhibiting medications and a special diet beforehand.

Recovery After Pancreatitis Surgery

Post-surgical care requires continuous medical supervision. Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s condition, hospital stay may last 3 to 10 days. At "Helyos," patient care includes regular monitoring, wound care, and drainage management.

The full recovery period usually takes about two weeks, though it can take several months to fully return to normal activities. During recovery, patients should:

Avoid physical exertion
Follow the prescribed diet
Take all prescribed medications
Monitor blood sugar levels
Attend regular check-ups

If the pancreas is removed entirely, lifelong enzyme and insulin therapy is required.

Advantages of the "Helyos" Medical Center

"Helyos" Medical Center is equipped with modern facilities to perform surgeries of any complexity. Our doctors use a comprehensive, individualized approach for every patient, carefully diagnosing and selecting the most effective treatment methods.

In Dnipro, "Helyos" employs highly qualified physicians who utilize the latest surgical techniques and consistently achieve excellent outcomes in treating pancreatic diseases. Each hospital room is outfitted with everything necessary to ensure a comfortable stay before and after surgery.