Removal of pancreatic cancer

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The duodenum and pancreas are closely related functionally, so they are combined in the so-called duodenocholepancreatic (hepato-pancreatoduodenal) zone. Usually pancreaticoduodenal resection is performed for removing  malignant neoplasms in this area. This procedure is considered to be a complex operation that requires subsequent reconstruction of a significant part of the digestive tract.

Most often tumors of the duodenocholepancreatic zone are found in patients aged 40- 60 years.

Possible risk factors include:

• diabetes;
• inherited predisposition;
• chronic pancreatitis or a duodenitis;
• consumption of low-quality food;
• polluted environment, radiation exposure.

In addition, the organs of the hepatopancreatoduodenal area may be susceptible to metastases of cancer of the colon, lung, kidney, breast or other organs. 

The diagnosis of malignant tumors includes both laboratory and instrumental examinations.

CT or X-ray of the abdominal cavity is usually performed to diagnose formations of the duodenocholepancreatic zone. Sometimes angiography is prescribed - an X-ray of the vessels, which provides diagnosing of the involvement of the main vessels in the tumor, the presence of metastases in them or other concomitant pathologies.

All patients undergo a clinical blood and urine test. If cancer is suspected, a blood test for cancer markers is required. The data of these examinations confirm the presence of cancer and allow detecting possible comorbidities.

Diagnostic laparoscopy makes it possible to identify small metastases and immediately perform their biopsy. A puncture biopsy also allows the doctor to take samples of the affected tissues for histological examination. 

The operation is performed by an open or laparoscopic method. Depending on the location of the tumor and the stage of the disease, either partial resection of the affected tissues or complete removal of the organ along with local lymph nodes, is performed. After removing the tumor the surgeon connects the remaining part of the bile duct and pancreatic gland to the intestine, so that the pancreatic enzymes and bile enter the small intestine, as before the operation.

After surgery the patient is subject to quarterly examinations, including ultrasound, CT, MRI, endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract, and a study of cancer markers in the blood, if they were increased before treatment.

Make an appointment with an oncology specialist at the «Oxford Medical» clinic through the forms on the website.