Pancreatic surgery can relieve the pain of pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis — and it might even save your life. At Lenox Hill Surgeons, LLP in the Lenox Hill area of Manhattan in New York City, the team of exemplary board-certified surgeons uses the most advanced techniques to perform minimally invasive pancreatic surgery. Schedule your appointment online or call the office to book your consultation now. 

What is pancreatic surgery?

Pancreatic surgery is a group of procedures that correct problems in your pancreas. Your pancreas produces crucial digestive enzymes and also makes hormones that control blood sugar, so pancreatic surgery can help your body to function better and relieve difficult symptoms. 

When might I need pancreatic surgery?

You may need pancreatic surgery if you have:

Pancreatic cancer

The main reason to have pancreatic surgery is pancreatic cancer. The goal of pancreatic surgery depends on where the cancer is located, the size of the tumor, and other individual factors. 

If you have cancer confined to the pancreas, pancreatic surgery is generally the best curative treatment because it can remove the cancerous tumor. 

If your cancer occurs beyond your pancreas, it might not be possible to remove it. But surgery can correct problems, like a blocked bile duct, that cause pain or other problems. 

In some cases, you might need a staging surgery along with imaging tests and a physical exam to determine the right treatment path for your pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis may require pancreatic surgery, with the specific type of surgery varying with the severity and location of your pancreatitis. 

Some other conditions and problems in and around the pancreas may also require pancreatic surgery. 

What is the pancreatic surgery process?

The process of pancreatic surgery depends on your condition and where the problem occurs. The Lenox Hill Surgeons, LLP team supports you through your decision-making process by giving you all the information you need along with their personalized advice.

In many cases, the team uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci® robotic surgery system to perform pancreatic surgery, or they may use a laparoscopic approach. 

Robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery have much smaller incisions — a small group of approximately half-inch incisions versus one that is far longer. This leads to less bleeding during surgery, less risk of complications after surgery, and a faster recovery.

Pancreatic surgery can remove part of the pancreas (just the head or the tail) or the entire organ, depending on your situation. If you need complete pancreas removal (total pancreatectomy) you’ll need to take digestive enzyme supplements and use insulin afterward. 

Depending on your needs, surgeons can also use other surgical techniques, including open surgery. The team treats you like family, explaining everything in detail and bringing you into the decision-making process. 

To learn more about pancreatic surgery, call the Lenox Hill Surgeons, LLP office, or use the online scheduling tool now.