A pancreatectomy is the surgical removal of the pancreas. A pancreatectomy may be total, in which case the entire organ is removed, usually along with the spleen, gallbladder, common bile duct, and portions of the small intestine and stomach. A pancreatectomy may also be distal, meaning that only the body and tail of the pancreas are removed, leaving the head of the organ attached. When the duodenum is removed along with all or part of the pancreas, the procedure is called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, which surgeons sometimes refer to as "Whipple's procedure." Pancreaticoduodenectomies are increasingly used to treat a variety of malignant and benign diseases of the pancreas. This procedure often involves removal of the regional lymph nodes as well.
A pancreatectomy is the most effective treatment for cancer of the pancreas, an abdominal organ that secretes digestive enzymes, insulin, and other hormones. The thickest part of the pancreas near the duodenum (a part of the small intestine) is called the head, the middle part is called the body, and the thinnest part adjacent to the spleen is called the tail.
While surgical removal of tumors in the pancreas is the preferred treatment, it is only possible in the 10–15% of patients who are diagnosed early enough for a potential cure. Patients who are considered suitable for surgery usually have small tumors in the head of the pancreas (close to the duodenum, or first part of the small intestine), have jaundice as their initial symptom, and have no evidence of metastatic disease (spread of cancer to other sites). The stage of the cancer will determine whether the pancreatectomy to be performed should be total or distal.
A partial pancreatectomy may be indicated when the pancreas has been severely injured by trauma, especially injury to the body and tail of the pancreas. While such surgery removes normal pancreatic tissue as well, the long-term consequences of this surgery are minimal, with virtually no effects on the production of insulin, digestive enzymes, and other hormones.
Chronic pancreatitis is another condition for which a pancreatectomy is occasionally performed. Chronic pancreatitis—or continuing inflammation of the pancreas that results in permanent damage to this organ—can develop from long-standing, recurring episodes of acute (periodic) pancreatitis. This painful condition usually results from alcohol abuse or the presence of gallstones. In most patients with the alcohol-induced disease, the pancreas is widely involved, therefore, surgical correction is almost impossible.
A pancreatectomy can be performed through an open surgery technique, in which case one large incision is made, or it can be performed laparoscopically, in which case the surgeon makes four small incisions to insert tube-like surgical instruments . The abdomen is filled with gas, usually carbon dioxide, to help the surgeon view the abdominal cavity. A camera is inserted through one of the tubes and displays images on a monitor in the operating room . Other instruments are placed through the additional tubes. The laparoscopic approach allows the surgeon to work inside the patient's abdomen without making a large incision.
If the pancreatectomy is partial, the surgeon clamps and cuts the blood vessels, and the pancreas is stapled and divided for removal. If the disease affects the splenic artery or vein, the spleen is also removed.
If the pancreatectomy is total, the surgeon removes the entire pancreas and attached organs. He or she starts by dividing and detaching the end of the stomach. This part of the stomach leads to the small intestine, where the pancreas and bile duct both attach. In the next step, he removes the pancreas along with the connected section of the small intestine. The common bile duct and the gallbladder are also removed. To reconnect the intestinal tract, the stomach and the bile duct are then connected to the small intestine.
During a pancreatectomy procedure, several tubes are also inserted for postoperative care . To prevent tissue fluid from accumulating in the operated site, a temporary drain leading out of the body is inserted, as well as a gastrostomy or g-tube leading out of the stomach in order to help prevent nausea and vomiting. A jejunostomy or j-tube may also be inserted into the small intestine as a pathway for supplementary feeding.
Patients with symptoms of a pancreatic disorder undergo a number of tests before surgery is even considered. These can include ultrasonography, x ray examinations, computed tomography scans (CT scan), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a specialized imaging technique to visualize the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder. Tests may also include angiography , another imaging technique used to visualize the arteries feeding the pancreas, and needle aspiration cytology, in which cells are drawn from areas suspected to contain cancer. Such tests are required to establish a correct diagnosis for the pancreatic disorder and in the planning the surgery.
Since many patients with pancreatic cancer are undernourished, appropriate nutritional support, sometimes by tube feedings, may be required prior to surgery.
Some patients with pancreatic cancer deemed suitable for a pancreatectomy will also undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. This treatment is aimed at shrinking the tumor, which will improve the chances for successful surgical removal. Sometimes, patients who are not initially considered surgical candidates may respond so well to chemoradiation that surgical treatment becomes possible. Radiation therapy may also be applied during the surgery (intraoperatively) to improve the patient's chances of survival, but this treatment is not yet in routine use. Some studies have shown that intraoperative radiation therapy extends survival by several months.
Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy that involves removal of the spleen may receive preoperative medication to decrease the risk of infection.
Pancreatectomy is major surgery. Therefore, extended hospitalization is usually required with an average hospital stay of two to three weeks.
Some pancreatic cancer patients may also receive combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy after surgery. This additional treatment has been clearly shown to enhance survival rates.
After surgery, patients experience pain in the abdomen and are prescribed pain medication. Follow-up exams are required to monitor the patient's recovery and remove implanted tubes.
A total pancreatectomy leads to a condition called pancreatic insufficiency, because food can no longer be normally processed with the enzymes normally produced by the pancreas. Insulin secretion is likewise no longer possible. These conditions are treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, which supplies digestive enzymes; and with insulin injections. In some case, distal pancreatectomies may also lead to pancreatic insufficiency, depending on the patient's general health condition before surgery and on the extent of pancreatic tissue removal.
There is a fairly high risk of complications associated with any pancreatectomy procedure. A recent Johns Hopkins study documented complications in 41% of cases. The most devastating complication is postoperative bleeding, which increases the mortality risk to 20–50%. In cases of postoperative bleeding, the patient may be returned to surgery to find the source of hemorrhage, or may undergo other procedures to stop the bleeding.
One of the most common complications from a pancreaticoduodenectomy is delayed gastric emptying, a condition in which food and liquids are slow to leave the stomach. This complication occurred in 19% of patients in the Johns Hopkins study. To manage this problem, many surgeons insert feeding tubes at the original operation site, through which nutrients can be fed directly into the patient's intestines. This procedure, called enteral nutrition, maintains the patient's nutrition if the stomach is slow to recover normal function. Certain medications, called promotility agents, can help move the nutritional contents through the gastrointestinal tract.
The other most common complication is pancreatic anastomotic leak. This is a leak in the connection that the surgeon makes between the remainder of the pancreas and the other structures in the abdomen. Most surgeons handle the potential for this problem by checking the connection during surgery.
After a total pancreatectomy, the body loses the ability to secrete insulin, enzymes, and other substances; therefore, the patient has to take supplements for the rest of his/her life.
Patients usually resume normal activities within a month. They are asked to avoid heavy lifting for six to eight weeks following surgery and not to drive as long as they take narcotic medication.
When a pancreatectomy is performed for chronic pancreatitis, the majority of patients obtain some relief from pain. Some studies report that one-half to three-quarters of patients become free of pain.
The mortality rate for pancreatectomy has decreased in recent years to 5–10%, depending on the extent of the surgery and the experience of the surgeon. A study of 650 patients at Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, found that only nine patients, or 1.4%, died from complications related to surgery.
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is the most lethal form of gastrointestinal malignancy. However, for a highly selective group of patients, a pancreatectomy offers a chance for cure, especially when performed by experienced surgeons. The overall five-year survival rate for patients who undergo pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer is about 10%; patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy have a 4–5% survival at five years. The risk for tumor recurrence is thought to be unaffected by whether the patient undergoes a total pancreatectomy or a pancreaticoduodenectomy, but is increased when the tumor is larger than 1.2 in (3 cm) and the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or surrounding tissue.
Depending on the medical condition, a pancreas transplantation may be considered as an alternative for some patients.
See also Pancreas transplantation .
Bastidas, J. Augusto, and John E. Niederhuber. "The Pancreas." In Fundamentals of Surgery. Edited by John E. Niederhuber. Stamford: Appleton & Lange, 1998.
Mayer, Robert J. "Pancreatic Cancer." In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Edited by Anthony S. Fauci, et al. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.
Cretolle, C., C. N. Fekete, D. Jan, et al. "Partial elective pancreatectomy is curative in focal form of permanent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycaemia in infancy: A report of 45 cases from 1983 to 2000." Journal of Pediatric Surgery 37 (February 2002): 155–158.
Lillemoe, K. D., S. Kaushal, J. L. Cameron, et al. "Distal pancreatectomy: indications and outcomes in 235 patients." Annals of Surgery 229 (May 1999): 698–700.
McAndrew, H. F., V. Smith, and L. Spitz. "Surgical complications of pancreatectomy for persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia of infancy." Journal of Pediatric Surgery 38 (January 2003): 13–16.
Patterson, E. J., M. Gagner, B. Salky, et al. "Laparoscopic pancreatic resection: single-institution experience of 19 patients." Journal of the American College of Surgeons 193 (September 2001): 281–287.
American College of Gastroenterology. 4900 B South 31st St., Arlington, VA 22206. (703) 820-7400. http://www.acg.gi.org .
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). 4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. (301) 654-2055. http://www.gastro.org .
National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Public Inquiries Office, Suite 3036A, 6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC8322 Bethesda, MD 20892-8322. (800) 422-6237. http://www.cancer.gov .
NIH CancerNet: Pancreatic Cancer Homepage. [cited July 1, 2003]. http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/types/pancreatic .
Caroline A. Helwick Monique Laberge, Ph.D.
A pancreatectomy is performed by a surgeon trained in gastroenterology, the branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of the digestive tract. An anesthesiologist is responsible for administering anesthesia and the operation is performed in a hospital setting, with an oncologist on the treatment team if pancreatic cancer motivated the procedure.
Have a good day. Jeanne
Thanks
barbarar cary
I have an uncle who had the procedure done about two years ago and I just wanted to give you some support. I know you are scared and so was my uncle he didnt have to drive as far as you are having to but I feel that once you have the surgery you can start living again like my uncle. My thoughts and prayer are with you and I hope all goes well for you.
Stephanie B
J T Parker
Pensacola FL
Thanks!
This is Selena-are you seeing Dr. Beilman? I had this procedure with an Islet Cell transplant on 3/22/2010. I think that from this post you have likely had your surgery but I'm still wondering how you're doing?
The first two days after surgery were or are hell-I won't lie, lol; but after the third day it seemed like my pain meds were finally working.
I have not been able to return to work at four months out yet. I had an appointment with my diabetes doctor a few days ago and was told that my Islet Cells are doing wonderful; however, if I supplement with a bit of 24 hour insulin then the Islet Cells don't have to work so hard and will likely last longer.
Let me know how your doing. You're the first person I've typed to that has had this procedure.
Thanks!
Selena
generally they are not trained in 'gastroenterology' which is a subspecialty of internal medicine
instead most general surgeons that perform pancreas resection have additional training in gastrointestinal surgery or surgical oncology.
If you are facing this proceedure please be reassured. Without it I would now be dead and I don't intend to let that happen any time soon.
Our 17 year, old who now lives without his pancreas, is still trying to fine tune his diet and while his glucose control is good, with insulin - he suffers frequent bouts of lower GI distress. Some of this can be attributed to his "teenage" dietary stubbornness - We are hopeful that as he learns more about what works and what doesn't he will be able to get a handle on this element of his recovery. ( had his surgery in August)
We would highly recommend the team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where a great deal of genetic research is performed for this condition.
I will be having the total pancreatectomy with Islet cell transplant done soon. Not sure of the date yet. Will be meeting with a surgeon on May 26th. I am nervous, but confidant, because I trust my doctors advice to this surgeon. I am having it done at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. My surgeon is suppose to be one of the best in the country. Boy, I hope so. But I am 100% confident in my GI doc who has recommended me. I would appreciate any detailed information about this surgery.
Thanks,
Betsy
Has anyone had to have the bile duct stretched after a Whipple procedure?
my fiancee is in the hospital right now he has acute pancreatitis it happen so sudden were supposed to get married tomorrow but he never make it here because his been hospitalized last oct.31 and they had him put in induced coma and his mom said that right now his on his kidney dialysis im so worried about him the last time i saw and talk to him his in ICU its last november 5,and im really feel sad coz after that i never heard anything about his condition,were to far from each other i live in philippines...my question is how long it take for him to cure and get out in the hospital?
my fiancee is in the hospital right now he has acute pancreatitis it happen so sudden were supposed to get married tomorrow but he never make it here because his been hospitalized last oct.31 and they had him put in induced coma and his mom said that right now his on his kidney dialysis im so worried about him the last time i saw and talk to him his in ICU its last november 5,and im really feel sad coz after that i never heard anything about his condition,were to far from each other i live in philippines...my question is how long it take for him to cure and get out in the hospital?
Last year I had a distal pancreadectom due to neuroendocrine tumors on my pancreas. Almost exactly a year to the last surgery date, the doctors found another tumor. I was thinking they would just remove it again, but the doctor recommends removing the whole pancreas. I just don't understand. The other tumors were benign. He feels if we don't remove the pancreas that before long I will be dealing with "true pancreatic cancer", his words not mine. However, I have a condition called MEN 1 which is basically a mutated gene which encourages my body to form tumors. I am currently seeking a second opinion from a physician who has more experience with MEN 1. I would appreciate any comments from people who have had this procedure done. I am very scared right now and wonder what my life will be like after the surgery. I also wonder how long that life will be. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
option is to have a total pancreatectomy. I realize that the recovery will be long and painful, but my largest concern is the nausea, stomach
problems. Just wondering how long I should expect to feel terrible. I also have heard that I should expect to lose at least 20 to 30 pounds, is
that due to not being able to keep food down or just only being able to eat small amounts? I'm looking at having the surgery in the next couple
of months, any information from someone who has recently been through this surgery would be appreciated.
I am now an insulin dependent diabetic (I had Type II prior to surgery, but it was controlled with medication, diet and exercise). I will go on an insulin pump within the next month. At first, I did not have much of an appetite; I had to make myself eat, but now, I am able to eat a normal diet, counting carbs and taking insulin shots. I have lost about 20 pounds, but I feel great and know that a full recovery is close. I would have this surgery done again in a heartbeat.
I started driving 5 weeks after surgery and returned to work in just over 5 weeks--working 2/3 hours per day--but at least I am out of the house. I am so happy to be able to resume my normal activities. Can't wait to get back into the gym.
So I am at a crossroads. I know with a total I will become insulin dependant. But I am guessing I run this risk with a partial plus a possible revisit in 12 months. Did you become insulin dependant after your partial?
Problem now is my blood sugar levels are often high (although sometimes "normal"). I am not (yet) on insulin but my blood sugar levels defy logic. I can eat foods that are theorectically good for a diabetic and have high numbers and eat "bad" foods and have normal numbers.
Anyone have that exerience?
Currently, I suffer from diarrhoea with stools at the slightest intake of any meals. I still experience gurgling and growling in the stomach. I notice that taking inner health plus (priobiotic) in the morning and night helps to keep it in control. I am malnutritioned and have lost 22 kgs in the last 6 months and still loosing 1 Kg every 3 weeks. I suffer from Steatorrhea with fat in the stools, due to my indigestion. I take Creon 25000 units, 3-4 capsules for main meals and 1 capsule for in-between snacks. I also take Amoxycillin (antibiotic), proform (protein supplement) drinks, low fat/gluten free meals and nexium (antacid). Though I have to manage my sugar levels for which I take insulin injections which is under control, my main concern is my diarrhoea and weight loss, for which neither my dietician nor doctors have little clue. I also seem to be getting a (itchy) rash all over my upper body.
Not Sure if someone post Whipples has/had diarrhoea and weight loss and know of any solution.
I have very wierd BG levels. I have heard that this can be due to my hypercalcemia.
I can start a meal at 11 and then 2 hours after a meal with icecream and fruit for dessert I get a 6.5!
Anyway after I have had my parathyriods resected I will find out if I have better BG control.
Thank you for sharing it means the world to me
~nancy
Yes, we have hereditary pancreatitis. Our family has been in a research group at the Mayo/Sloan Ketterling and U of Pittsburg since the 1990s with over 60 family members testing positive with the gene. We have lost my 36 yr old sister, two 36 yr old aunts and my dad in his 70s from pancreatic cancer. Some have been hospitalized numerous times with attacks and some are like me - I had minor attacks when I was 7-8, then nothing until an annual physical found my sugars to be in the 400s and, due to the bad gene, the Mayo tested me and found that my pancreas had atrophied and was now "pre-cancerous). Yes, there are all sorts of issues afterwards and we don't like the option they have found for our family, but every day we thank the good Lord and the Doctors at the Mayo and elsewhere who have given us this option. I have now lived 24 yrs longer than my sister and two aunts!!! They do have several other types of enzymes other than Creon that have recently been approved. And yes, I have a sibling and a couple of neices who have had the partial and they live a normal life - they do have to take enzymes which they had taken previous to the surgery but they do not have to take insulin. I'm sure it depends on how damaged your wife's pancreas is. No matter what,my total and their partials, we all feel that it was very well worth it.
please let me know.
god bless
Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. You can call the main number and ask for on call oncologist. They will probably see her on Monday...that's what happened to us last year... Good luck and best wishes to you and your Mom!
Thanks
Dawn
It has been 6 weeks since I had 2/3rd of my pancreas removed. They managed to keep the spleen even though my splenic artery was not in the most convenient of places apparently.
Was in hospital for 6 days (3 on High dependancy and 3 on normal ward)
1st day many tubes and dressing and nurses watching me.
5th day - most tubes now out and nurses paying less attention to me. :-(
6th day - doc said I could go home
7th day - little bit panicky that I dont have a hospital around me and the withdrawal effects of the epidural etc are hitting home. Cant eat very much. Only v.small portions so I try to make it as nutritious as I can. Eating peanut butter for the first time in 20 years!
10th day - feeling better and don't feel like rushing back to hospital.
14th day - feeling better still. But still shuffling around like an old man. Abdomen muscles do a lot of work! Anyway staples out of abdomen and wound looking tidy.
Now on insulin (basal/bolus) regime.(Bit of a pain this part of life but I am sure I will get used to it)
Not on Creon.
Wound healing. Still feels numb and tight but the cut is a neat line and the swelling has gone down a lot.
Took the car out for a drive today and could manage that ok. (DLVA and insurance company informed and approval received)
All in all not feeling too bad about it considering the alternative.
I used to exercise a lot before. I think the healthier you can be going in the better.
Dont panic. Make sure you have lots of visitors. Nurses pay more attention to you when you have others paying attention to you.
You will feel like you have been hit by a truck. but it does get better. I still have a bit of a mountain to climb but after a few weeks at least you will feel as though it is possible. Dont forget hospital drugs can make you think and feel very different but it all passes away eventually.
If in need of chat. email is neilalastair at hotmail.com
68
carolyn
Nov 22, 2012 @ 9:21 pm
you can get lots of info on about every issue related to the panky on facebooks support groups. type in pancreas or my powerful pancreas and the like, and ask to become a member. invaluable and people from all over the world
My Surgeon was very happy and his team seemed happy also.
I lost some weight in the 2 weeks I was in hospital (3-4 days in ICU) but put this back on within a few months.
Since the OP i've discovered i'm Lactose Intolerant and am still experimenting with different foods.
To any one going for this OP - don't be scared, it's bad for a few days however stay positive and strong and you'll be back on your feet in no time; the hardest thing for me to deal with was digestion due to being off solid foods for so long, it's normal but can be painful as you esssentially, upon waking from the OP - have to learn to see, breathe, talk, pee, sit up, move and walk again!! After this the PTSD of the accident was the worst thing - the operation scar is a constant reminder of hospital but as most of you will know, a reminder of being alive. :)
I have a quick question for any one who may be able to answer - where if anywhere do you still (after a couple of years) experience occasional discomfort or slight pains? I've been experiencing discomfort and slight pains in my back on the left side. I first experienced this within days of the operation and it disappeared after 3 months or so; now, many months later i'm experiencing the same 'pulsing, throb' in my back; my GP thinks it's muscular (perhaps due to the trauma) however i'm going for a second opinion :/ Normal?
What's the general life expectancy of us after these operations - does any one know?
We're all a law unto ourselves I know - I smoke, drink on occasion and take drugs on occasion so i'm not exactly clean living - I just want to enjoy the time I have with my nearest and dearest.
If any one can help with these questions or needs a chat about the Operation please don't hesistate to contact me.
Thanks in advance, keep up keep on - Andy.
Joan in Canada
I had 50% of the Tail of my Pancreas removed in Nov 1990. I was in so much pain post-op, I ask for an Exploratory Lap ASAP to stop the pain. A Doc from the same group did the EL and got a pay check. I got NO relief for the Pain.
Everyday I deal with pain, nausea and sometimes vomiting. Almost everything I eat causes pain and some nauses. The Surgeons and GI Docs tell me it's all due to Adhesions. I know thay are right 80% of the time. However, the other 20% of GI problems are not from adhesions. It may be a scar around a Duct, etc. The pain is a different kind.
I had a Celiac Plexus Block appx 2 years ago. It not only did not help with the pain, it gave me severe diarrhea for about 11 months. I also had an ERCP without any help. I don't know what else to do. I would appreciate a very experienced GI Doc to work me up to find out what is wrong with me and why I hurt so much. I have tried many pain meds but they usually are not strong enough to stop the pain or dull it enough for me to be able to tolerate the pain. I am starting to ask myself if life is worth trying to live this way. I have a wonderful Wife that won't let me give up.
Does anyone know of a physician that can find and treat this type of problem? It is not simple or the Docs would have already fount it--I Think !!
Please help me find a Doc that can give me my Life back !!
Thank You,
Jack
Samantha.turner123@hotmail.com
Thank you
Is there a procedure to get rid of the scar
I had a distal pancreatectomy nine months ago to remove a big cyst. After the surgery, not only my upper abdomen is always in dull pain, but also I have been experienced severe, multiple intermittent sharp pain attacks in left abdomen lasted for a whole night in every month. My surgeon said that he never had patients complaining the pain lasted for this long. My surgeon said he is out of options. Has anyone experienced this kind of pain? It is hard to believe that I am the rare case.
Amylase and Lipase were once four times high now closed to normal. CT is normal with a 5 cm fluid collection post surgery; I saw three doctors recently, one GI doctor suggested Chronic Pancreatitis but my surgeon denied it. All doctors think drainage of fluid is not necessary. I am still in dull pain/great discomfort and don't know when the sharp pain will attack again, anyone has any advices on what can I do next?
Thanks a lot.
Our Doctor is at University of Cincinnati..
that's where we live.
thehsharps1992@gmail.com
My 22 yr. old son is having a pancreatectomy soon at the Cleve. Clinic. His surgeon is Dr. Walsh. If anyone has had this surgery there, please let me know how it went. He has a cycstic fibrosis mutated gene that has attacked his pancreas and he has chronic pancreatitis. Has had a feeding tube since Feb. Are preparing for surgery. Will also have the islet cell transplant. We are very nervous, but he has been so sick and we are hoping this surgery helps.
Thank you!
My surgeon has me booked for surgery on April 11/14 to remove the rest of my pancreas and my spleen.
Surgeon said that this surgery will be more complicated and longer recovery than the Whipple.
He told me that he does maybe one of these surgeries once a year.
My question to you all is if ,anyone has had this surgery after a Whipple procedure, or if you know anyone who has.
Hopefully someone has. Thank-you.
My Husband had distal pancrectomy on 10/2/14. Praise God all the tumor/cancer was removed no Mets found in lymph near tumor. Last week the surgeon has started removing jp tube. Yesterday my husband started c/of feeling "icky" which followed by low grade Temps and finally some gross thick green mucus from around tube site. Spoke wit onduty\call surgeon whom says not to worry about"gump" coming from site and a temp under 101. Now it's 0300 and his temp is spiking 101.6. Gonna call surgeon again in the morning. I'm concerned about this Gump and my hubby spiking temps. Anyone else have something similar. Please advise
Thank you,
Kaaryn
kaaryn224@gmail.com
I'm 28 years old. I had a the tail end of my pancreas and my entire spleen removed in June 2009. I had no symptoms apart from feeling tired and bruising easily. I'm a small woman and have always weighted at wound 8st. I had a benign Tumor on my spleen which was 17cm by 19cm it was the size of a football. I had open surgery 29 staples in total across my tummy. Since the op I have been diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis. I get pain relief injections every 3 months. I have recently found a lump in the middle of my abdomen and duno what it could be? I just had an MRI scan last week to see if there is any fluid around my pancreas so hopefully that will show up the lump too and they can see what exactly it is. I take creon 2 with every meal (40,000) I'm also on slow release oxycodone pain relieft one pill every 12 hours. I suffer extreme tiredness, steatorrhea (oily and offensive) allot of pain in my left upper abdomen which radiates to my back and shoulder. I still get pain on my other small scars where the drains were 6 years on is this normal? I also have a lump in my left armpit (which has always been there) have my tonsils out and suffer from extreme cases of swollen glands in my neck and throat. I have never been given a reason as to why I had to get the surgery ( apart from the obvious of the spleen in danger of bursting) I was wondering is there anyone who's in a similar position? And if they have ever had the same lump in their upper abdomen in the centre about 2cm in diameter?
I've had several ERCP and stents done.
Sometimes the attacks are close together and sometimes every other year.
I had my gallbladder removed in October 2006.
I'm tired of the pain as it gets worse each time.
I've had the same dr since this began and he seems to not know what to do anymore.
I live in Illinois close enough to go to the university of Wisconsin medical
Or even Chicago.
But I need some help to find a good dr for this
Tired of hurting all the time
In 2007-08 I was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis due to unknown reasons, I was 20 at the time. After spending extensive time in the hospitals, my gallbladder was removed due to sluggish findings and stones. The doctors at John Hopkins did not know what else to do so was advised to go Texas.
Feb 14,2012 I had the Auto-Islet Pancreatic Transplant. Surgery was 16hrs and a hard recovery. I still went home on feeding tube with nurses daily care in-home.
Fast forward to now I'm 33 and still having issues of vomiting, severe nausea and pain. It still gets bad where I've been hospitalized, my veins are shot from all the pic lines I've endured so now I have a central port. I gotten sick in 2018 and ended up having to quit my job due to the position I was in and moved closer to family. I found my original doctor who did my Transplant but he does not know what else to do at this point. Currently I'm seeing another gastro doctor and they brought up gastritis possibly and I have a study in yhe next week to do the test.. is anyone or is anyone experiencing this? Anything you can provide or suggest I'm willing to listen?
Email: tiphanii2marie@gmail.com