SURGICAL treatment of pancreatic cancer

The type of surgical operation for pancreatic tumors depend on the location of the tumor in the pancreas and on the type of the tumor.

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

Aggressive surgical treatment is offered for patients with an adenocarcinoma of the pancreas since this tumor is associated with a poor outcome if not completely eradicated by surgery. For tumors located in the head of the pancreas, a Whipple operation is indicated. For tumors in the body and tail of the pancreas a radical distal pancreatectomy is performed, a procedure in which the spleen and the body and tail of the pancreas are removed.

Pancreas preservation surgery procedures for benign tumors

In patients with less aggressive cancers and benign disease, aggressive surgical treatment may be indicated only in selected circumstances. Our philosophy is to emphasize organ preservation where possible.

The types of tumors for which less aggressive surgical treatment is often indicated include premalignant (precancerous) conditions such as cystic tumors of the pancreas, and mucinous ductal hyperplasia (where only the lining of the pancreatic duct is cancerous) and endocrine tumors of the pancreas

• Duodenum preserving pancreatic removal
• Spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy
• Central pancreatectomy
• Wide resection of the ampulla
• Isolated removal of the third and fourth part of the duodenum

Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery

We have pioneered laparoscopic pancreatic surgery. This type of surgery is associated with much less post surgical pain, rapid recovery from surgery and early discharge from the hospital compared to open surgery. Patients experience rapid return to their presurgical condition and early return to work. The types of tumors for which laparoscopic surgical treatment is often indicated include premalignant conditions such as cystic tumors of the pancreas, mucinous ductal hyperplasia (where only the lining of the pancreatic duct is cancerous) and islet cell tumors of the pancreas.

The laparoscopic procedures offered at USC are

• Whipple operation
• Distal pancreatectomy
• Spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy
• Enucleation of islet cell tumors
• Central pancreatectomy

Contact information: USC Center for Pancreatic and Biliary Diseases
1510 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA
Phone: 1-855-724-7874 dde-mail:PancreasDiseases@surgery.usc.edu
Programs: pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, laparoscopic surgery, endocrine surgery,
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This web site provides select information about pancreatic and biliary disorders and is updated twice monthly. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical consultation with your physician.It is important that you consult with your physician for detailed information about your medical condition and treatment.The center will make every effort to update the site, however, past performance is no guarantee of future medical outcomes.
Copyright © 2002 USC Center for pancreatic and biliary diseases. All rights reserved.