Answering All Your Questions About Pancreas Surgery

While we understand how intimidating it might be to recently hear about a possible diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, we also understand you might be looking for answers for so many questions regarding it. Allow us to provide you with a comprehensive information on the pancreatic surgery along with a range of pancreas surgery costs so that you can be well informed on how to go about it. Let’s look into it:

Pancreas, often overlooked, is one of the essential organs of the body that helps in breaking down the nutrients and further sending it out in your body. In other words, 

• The Pancreas releases substances called enzymes that break down sugars, fats, and starches.

• Which is why it is called an organ and a gland at the same time. 

• It is situated between the stomach and the spine. 

• Its other function is to send out hormones in your body that control the sugar level in the bloodstream, hence it is quite significant for functioning of the digestive system. 

• One of the many reasons why pancreas surgery costs and pancreatic cancer treatment costs are so high.

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If the pancreas is attacked with a cancer tumor or abnormal inflammation then it has a direct effect on the digestive system of the body which results in heavy complications and difficulties. Which is why pancreas surgery is usually suggested for such cases. However, pancreas surgery costs can prove to be quite expensive. And hence, various crowdfunding platforms are now coming forward to help patients with their pancreatic cancer surgery costs. Click here to know more about it.

Pancreas surgery is quite a common and well-known procedure in the medical field. The first pancreas surgery was performed in 1882 and since then the technology in this field has grown exponentially and given rise to one of the safest solutions and routes to go about the surgery making the pancreas surgery costs and pancreatic cancer treatment costs go even higher. Before we delve into the types of pancreas surgery, let’s first discuss when does one need a pancreas surgery:

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Causes 

Pancreatic Cancer 

Pancreatic cancer usually requires a pancreas surgery. It occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells on the lining or tissues of the pancreas. 

Pancreatic cancer’s symptoms include: 

• fatigue, 

• weight loss, 

• loss of appetite, 

• and dark urine among others. 

Its symptoms are quite common due to which it can be misdiagnosed for other diseases and illnesses. This is the reason why pancreatic cancer is generally detected at much later stages where the patient starts showing other prominent symptoms like  jaundice, elevated blood sugar levels, and light colored stools. Once diagnosed, the doctor suggests pancreas surgery along with a mention of pancreas surgery cost.

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Pancreatitis 

Pancreatitis also requires a pancreas surgery to get rid of it. It refers to the disease where there is an inflammation in the pancreas, disrupting all its functions and working. It is of two types, acute and chronic.

• Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and only lasts for days. And as compared, it is more easily treated. Sometimes acute pancreatitis does not even need pancreas surgery.

• Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis keeps on occurring for quite a few years. It is more difficult to treat due to the intensity of the inflammation. Chronic pancreatitis can cause patients to bear pancreas surgery costs. Its risk factors include smoking, diabetes, obesity, and genetic history of pancreatitis among others.

Types Of Pancreas Surgeries

Pancreas surgery holds a lot of methods and procedures under its umbrella. The kind of procedure depends upon the severity and stage of the illness. Also, pancreas surgery costs in India lie from somewhere around Rs. 5,25,000 to Rs. 12,00,000. Similarly, it depends on the kind of surgery opted for the patient. Also, it is different from pancreatic cancer removal costs. Now let’s have a look:

Whipple procedure

Whipple procedure is generally the first line of treatment for pancreatic cancer (costs Rs 4 lakhs on average) that resides in the head of the pancreas. This procedure is performed to remove the head of the pancreas. Some procedures might also require the whole of the pancreas to be removed along with the small intestine and a section of the stomach. It all depends upon the severity of cancer and how it is spreading. It subsequently affects the pancreas surgery cost.

Doctors suggest a whipple procedure when the tumor is contained within the head of the pancreas and hasn’t spread into other parts of the body. Very rarely patients with tumors spreading rapidly to the other parts of the body are suggested to go for whipple procedure due to the relevancy of the procedure. It is also done so to keep the pancreas surgery cost in mind.

Before a whipple procedure, intensive screening is required to ensure the patient is fit to go under whipple procedure. Once the doctors give a green signal, the patient is assigned with a team of specialists who further take care of the procedure.

Complications Of Whipple Procedure

Risk of catching infection in the incision area or inside the abdomen: Usually doctors prepare the patient and their immediate environment of the surgery very well before the procedure, so that all hygiene metrics are being taken care of. All the tools and surgical instruments are sanitized before the surgery. Very rarely do patients end up catching infection in the incision area. But, those infections can be treated and are well within doctor’s supervision. 

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Bleeding at the incision area: After the surgery, it takes a recovery period and multiple dressings for the wound to heal. However, if external force is applied along with sudden movements then the wound might open up and start bleeding. Also, if proper recovery period is not utilized then the body might take stress and subsequently affect the wound with physical movements.

Leakage from the pancreas or bile duct connection:

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