Surgery for pancreatic cancer

You may have surgery to remove pancreatic cancer. Which operation you have depends on where the cancer is in your pancreas. If the cancer cannot be removed you may have an operation or procedure to help prevent or relieve symptoms of the cancer.

Which operation you have to remove pancreatic cancer depends on where it is in the pancreas. You may have part of your pancreas removed. Rarely your surgeon may remove all of your pancreas.

If you can't have an operation to remove the cancer, you may have surgery to help relieve symptoms such as a blocked bowel or bile duct. Or you may have thin tubes (stents) put in to help your bowel or bile duct to work properly again.

Before your operation you usually have a pre operative assessment appointment to prepare you for surgery. This normally includes having some tests to check your fitness. You also meet members of your healthcare team.

You see your surgeon and the anaesthetist who will be looking after you during the operation. And your nurse makes sure you are ready. When it is time, you go to the operating theatre.

What happens after pancreatic cancer surgery depends on what operation you had. You normally have some drips and drains in. And you have a wound. You may go to the intensive care or high dependency unit after surgery.

There is a risk of problems (complications) such as blood clots and infections after any surgery. Problems after surgery for pancreatic cancer include an abnormal opening (fistula) and your stomach taking a long time to empty after eating and drinking.