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Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: Before Your Surgery

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What is surgery for pancreatic cancer?

Surgery for pancreatic cancer removes part or all of the pancreas. Other organs might also be removed. You and your doctor will plan your surgery based on your wishes and the stage of the cancer. Every person's treatment plan and surgery are different. Your doctor will tell you what will be removed.

Depending upon where the cancer is located in your pancreas, your doctor may:

  • Take out the thick end (head) of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, and other nearby tissues. The doctor may also remove part of the stomach. This is called a Whipple procedure.
  • Take out the narrow end (tail) and the body of the pancreas. Often the spleen is also removed. This is called a distal pancreatectomy.
  • Take out the whole pancreas, part of the stomach, part of the small intestine, the common bile duct, gallbladder, spleen, and nearby lymph nodes. This is called a total pancreatectomy.

You will be in the hospital for about a week after the surgery. You will probably be able to go back to work or your normal routine in about 1 month. It will probably take about 3 months until your strength is back to normal. You may need more treatment for the cancer. This may include chemotherapy or radiation.

Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may need to take enzyme supplements to replace the digestive enzymes made by the pancreas. In rare cases, the entire pancreas is removed, causing diabetes. If this is the case, you will need insulin to maintain blood sugar levels.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

Preparing for surgery

 
  • You may be asked to follow a clear liquid diet for several days before surgery. Your doctor will tell you how to do this.
  • You may be given antibiotic pills to take.
  • You may need to empty your colon with an enema or laxative. Your doctor will tell you how to do this.
  • Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
  • Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
  • If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
  • Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
  • Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

What happens on the day of surgery?

  • Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
  •  
    Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
  •  
    Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
  •  
    Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery center

  • Bring a picture ID.
  •  
    The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors.
  •  
    You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You will be asleep during the surgery.
  •  
    The surgery usually takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the type.

When should you call your doctor?

  • You have questions or concerns.
  • You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery.
  • You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
  • You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the surgery.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter L908 in the search box to learn more about "Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: Before Your Surgery".

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.