Pancreatic Surgery Types | Pancreatic Cancer Surgery - Anchorage, Alaska

Pancreatic surgery is required to address issues such as tumors or inflammation of the pancreas. These surgeries most often involve removing the diseased portion of the organ, or because of the anatomically complex positioning of the pancreas in the abdominal region, sometimes removing several organs together. Depending on the severity of the cases, these surgeries may take several hours in the operating room. Our general surgeon & surgical oncologist, Dr. Madhu Prasad, has years of experience in pancreatic surgery and utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques that ensure better health outcomes and shorter recovery time.

What Conditions Lead to Pancreatic Surgeries?

Your doctor may recommend pancreatic surgery for any of the following conditions:

1. Acute pancreatitis – Pancreatic inflammation that causes damage to the pancreas and its blood vessels
2. Chronic pancreatitis – A more severe case of pancreatic inflammation that does not heal or improve
3. Pancreatic cysts – Collections of saclike pockets of fluid within the head, body, and/or tail of the pancreas
4. Pancreatic cancer – Cancerous tumors that begin in the pancreas

Common Tests for Diagnosis of Pancreas Problems

Your doctor will perform some tests to evaluate your pancreas condition before recommending surgery. Common tests include:

1. Blood tests
2. Secretin stimulation test
3. Fecal elastase test
4. Computer Tomography (CT) scan with contrast dye
5. Abdominal ultrasound
6. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
7. Endoscopic ultrasound
8. Magnetic resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

Different Surgical Procedures for Pancreatic Surgery

Depending on your case, your surgeon will proceed with any of the following procedures:

1. Laparoscopic pancreatic resection – A Minimally invasive procedure involving small "keyhole" incisions
2. Spleen-preserving pancreatectomy – A demanding technique in which the blood supply to the spleen is preserved for its immunologic functions
3. Enucleation of pancreatic tumors – Careful scooping out of a portion of the pancreas with a razor-thin margin between tumor and pancreas
4. The “Whipple” procedure – Removal of the head of the pancreas, duodenum, bile duct, gallbladder, and sometimes a small portion of the stomach

Why Choose Far North Surgery for Pancreatic Surgeries in Anchorage

At Alaska cancer treatment center Far North Surgery, we are committed to providing the best-in-class advanced pancreatic treatment procedures in a caring and compassionate environment. Our surgeon Dr. Madhu Prasad is one of the top general surgeons and surgical oncologists in Alaska. He's highly-trained and qualified and has a successful track record of pancreatic treatment procedures. Call us at 907-276-3676 to learn more about treatment options, or to get answers to any questions you may have.