Pancreatic SurgerySpecialist care for one of surgery's most demanding organs.
The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, close to major blood vessels and the bile duct. Surgery on it is technically demanding, and outcomes are best when it is done by a specialist HPB team.
What the pancreas does – and why surgery is complex
The pancreas makes digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. Its head sits in the curve of the duodenum, next to the bile duct; its tail reaches towards the spleen.
Which operation is needed depends on where the problem lies – head, body or tail.
Signs that need attention
Pancreatic problems are often silent at first. Some are found by chance on a scan; others show up as jaundice, weight loss or pain that goes through to the back.
Not every pancreatic cyst needs surgery – many are simply watched. Careful assessment decides which ones do.
With pancreatic disease, an early, accurate diagnosis changes everything.— Why assessment comes first
Surgery and the first days after
A Whipple procedure removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder and the end of the bile duct, then reconnects the pancreas, bile duct and stomach to the bowel.
Selected patients may be suitable for laparoscopic or robotic surgery, especially for tumours in the body and tail.
Recovery and follow-up
Energy returns over several weeks. Small, frequent meals help at first.
If the surgery was for cancer, the team will discuss the tissue results and whether chemotherapy is recommended.
Conditions treated with pancreatic surgery
Every patient is assessed individually. These are the conditions most often treated.
Tumours of the head, body or tail of the pancreas.
Cancers of the ampulla, distal bile duct or duodenum.
IPMN and mucinous cysts that need removal.
Hormone-producing and non-functioning tumours.
Surgery for pain or blocked ducts when other treatment fails.
Specialist management of difficult pancreatic problems.
From first visit to recovery
Timings vary with each patient. This is the usual order of steps.
Consultation
Symptoms, history and review of reports.
Staging & imaging
CT, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound and blood tests.
Team review
Surgery, oncology and gastroenterology plan together.
Surgery
Whipple, distal pancreatectomy or organ-sparing surgery.
Recovery & follow-up
Nutrition, enzymes, blood sugar and surveillance.
Dr. Vibha Varma
Consultant, Liver Transplant and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai – with more than 20 years of experience in liver transplantation and HPB surgery.
Quick answers
Is the Whipple procedure a major operation?
Yes. It is one of the more complex abdominal operations, which is why it should be done by an experienced HPB team.
Can I live without part of my pancreas?
Yes. Many people live normally, sometimes with enzyme capsules or diabetes treatment.
Do all pancreatic cysts need surgery?
No. Many are monitored with scans. Surgery is advised for cysts with worrying features.
Will I need chemotherapy?
For pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy is often recommended before or after surgery.