Diseases of the pancreas have been enigmatic from the time we have known them. Scientific progress in the field has made the management of pancreatic diseases less challenging! Amongst the various diseases affecting the pancreas, the most formidable enemy is when tumor strikes the pancreas.
All pancreatic surgeons know that their skill is put to a litmus test in operating the pancreatic tumors. There are many reasons for this. This flat eel like organ is trapped in the body between the spine, spleen, stomach and the colon. Accessing it requires expertise. Removing a tumor needs not only training, but also technology.
We localize it first with a good quality CT scan. The CT scan also helps in planning the resection. A good endoscopy is also beneficial in understanding the kind of tumor one is dealing with before the operation. Certain sophisticated blood tests can indicate regarding the spread of the tumor. Having these facilities is imperative in planning the treatment strategy.
Nowadays we can remove pancreatic tumors safely with instruments that can make surgery easier and shorter. The procedure has become less formidable than in the past thanks to all the modern gadgets. Sometimes we can do the surgery laparoscopically. That means patients can get away without long incisions and its associated trauma. Pain management in the postoperative period is greatly minimized by the use of epidural analgesia- a method whereby the patient doesn’t feel any abdominal pain. For the patient this is a major advantage.
Certain pancreatic tumors when resected properly have good outcome. However, many have aggressive potential and the best way to tackle them is to diagnose them early. Patients should report to their physician if they have an undiagnosed abdominal pain, especially if it is radiating to the back. Jaundice, bloating, weight loss are other symptoms to watch out for.
Patients should be aware of the centres that provide tertiary care for such conditions. It’s preferable that these Centres be in proximity since a close follow up and regular checkup is of utmost importance. The pancreas metaphorically is a wild horse that has been tamed recently with scientific progress.
Watch the Video on Pancreatic Surgery here.