Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

The pancreas, which is part of the digestive system and located at the back of the stomach, is an organ that produces enzymes for the digestive process that takes place in the small intestine. By means of these enzymes, the regulation of blood sugar of individuals is ensured. As a result of the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the pancreas, pancreatic cancer develops in this organ. Pancreatic cancer, which shows symptoms such as loss of appetite, weakness and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen, is a preventable and treatable cancer when diagnosed early. Many different methods are used in the treatment according to the advanced and initial stages. Pancreatic cancer surgery includes methods such as the complete removal of the tumor area, the administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before or after the surgery.

In the article, points related to pancreatic cancer and surgery will be explained in detail with the following headings:

• What is pancreatic cancer?
• How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
• What is pancreatic cancer surgery?
• What are the risks of pancreatic cancer surgery?

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is an organ 15 cm long and located behind the stomach. It regulates blood sugar by secreting enzymes and hormones. Insulin and glucagon hormones are very important. When an irregularity occurs in the secretion of these two hormones, diseases such as diabetes can occur. The pancreas is also effective in protein and carbohydrate digestion through the enzymes it secretes. In this organ; Due to the effects of factors such as smoking and alcohol use, diabetes, genetic predisposition, obesity and age, pancreatic cancer may develop in people with uncontrolled cell proliferation in the pancreas.

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

Pancreatic cancer, whose symptoms start with stomach pain, is a cancer that can be understood by applying imaging techniques because it contains the symptoms of many diseases. From imaging techniques; Positron Emission Tomography (PET), laparoscopy, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. At the same time, cancer-related findings are obtained by looking at some values ​​from the blood test results. Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed when all these indicate cancer.

What is Pancreatic Cancer Surgery?

Different methods are used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, depending on the progression of the cancer. In cases where it is not diagnosed early, the spread of pancreatic cancer to other organs is a condition seen in advanced stages. In particular, it can metastasize to the stomach, intestines, liver and brain. In order to prevent this situation, pancreatic cancer surgery has been developed.

The pancreatectomy method used in pancreatic cancer surgery is the removal of the tumorous structure in the pancreatic tissue. Whipple surgery stands out as a more difficult surgery. Removal of the head of the pancreas takes place during this surgery. Pancreatic cancer surgery does not only take place in the pancreas. Depending on the progression of the cancer, decals can be made on the stomach, duodenum and gall bladder, which are close to the pancreas. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy processes accompanying surgical operations are carried out regularly after the surgery to prevent the cancer from spreading to other regions.

How should the process be after surgical operations?

• The patient should pay attention to his diet. Avoid high-protein and fatty foods.
• Since insulin and glucagon balance will be disturbed, a suitable diet should be followed.
• Alcohol and cigarettes should be strictly avoided.
• Frequent but little feeding should be followed during the day. In this way, the nutrients will be better absorbed and the digestion process will be easier.
• Drinking water is very important. A suitable amount of water is determined for the patient and he is expected to drink it.
• Additional vitamins given by the doctor should be used.
• The patient should pay attention to exercise. If they are overweight or have obesity, they should be more careful.
• The patient should be followed up regularly every month for 3 years after the operation.
• A stress-free life should be maintained.
• Heavy activities should be avoided for 3 months after the operation.

What are the Risks of Pancreatic Cancer Surgery?

In pancreatic cancer surgery, there is a risk of conditions such as infections, lung problems or clotting, as can be seen in other surgeries. In whipple surgery, which includes a more severe operation process, delay in gastric emptying and leakage may occur in the new pathways made in the process of hormone and enzyme secretion.

Since the pancreas secretes hormones and enzymes, problems may occur in these secretions after cancer surgery. In particular, patients may develop diabetes. In order to prevent the development of this disease, the secretion processes are supported after the surgical procedure with drugs. Another risk after pancreatic cancer surgery is the recurrence of cancer. In order to avoid such situations, treatment with chemotherapy is continued.