Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy: What is it For?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a pancreatic condition such as a tumour, cyst, or chronic inflammation, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove part of the pancreas. While open surgery has long been the standard, advances in medical technology now allow many of these procedures to be performed using a minimally invasive approach.

Laparoscopic pancreatectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a lighted viewing tube fitted with a tiny camera, called a laparoscope. This device is inserted through a few small incisions (keyholes) in the abdomen to provide a clear and magnified view of internal structures. The miniature camera will then transmit images to a screen for precise manipulation and removal of the affected tissue, providing patients with improved outcomes and faster recovery.

A laparoscopic pancreatectomy is performed to address various medical conditions affecting the pancreas, such as:

However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for a laparoscopic pancreatectomy. Individuals with large, locally advanced tumours, previous abdominal surgery, or other complicated health conditions may not be eligible to undergo pancreatic surgery laparoscopically. That is why it is crucial to have a thorough discussion with a specialist to determine whether laparoscopic pancreas surgery is the appropriate course of treatment.

Depending on the location of the diseased pancreatic tissue and how severe it is, surgeons may perform one of several types of laparoscopic pancreatectomy, including:

• Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy: The surgeon removes the tail or body portions of the pancreas. This procedure is often done to treat benign lesions, neuroendocrine tumours, or low-grade malignant tumours located in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Laparoscopic Central Pancreatectomy: This technique removes only the central portion of the pancreas to target lesions or tumours while preserving the healthy tissue of the organ.
• Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure): This is a more complex technique that involves the removal of cancerous tissues from the head of the pancreas and nearby organs.

Laparoscopic pancreatectomy offers several advantages over the traditional open approach, making it a preferred option for most patients. Some of these advantages are:

• Less Pain and Scarring: In laparoscopic pancreatectomy, several small incisions are made instead of a single, large incision. This results in minimal scarring and reduced postoperative pain for patients.
• Shorter Hospital Stay and Quicker Recovery: Compared to open surgery, patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreatectomy typically experience faster recovery due to smaller incisions and less trauma to the body.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: Smaller incisions and shorter surgery duration lower the risk of infection.
• Less Blood Loss: Laparoscopic surgery is typically associated with reduced bleeding compared to open surgery.

While laparoscopic pancreatectomy offers several benefits, it is important to consider the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.

As with any surgical procedure, laparoscopic pancreatectomy may carry risks, such as:

• Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during surgery, but this is usually well-controlled.
• Infection: Infections can develop externally (where the incision is made) or within the abdominal cavity.
• Pancreatic Duct Leakage: There is a small risk of fluid leakage from the pancreas, which may require further monitoring or treatment.
• Blood Clots: Blood clots may form in the legs or lungs, causing a more serious health problem.

Preoperative Evaluation

Before the procedure, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess the patient's overall health and medical history. This includes imaging and blood tests to provide valuable information about the location, size, and stage of the pancreatic tumour or disease.

Step-by-Step Overview of the Laparoscopic Procedure

• Anaesthesia: The patient is placed under general anaesthesia.
• Incisions: Small cuts are made in the abdomen to insert the laparoscope and surgical instruments.
• Visualisation: The laparoscope sends live images to a screen, guiding the surgeon during the procedure.
• Tissue Removal: The affected part of the pancreas is carefully removed using specialised tools.
• Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures, staples, or adhesive strips.

Post-operative Care

After the procedure, patients are closely monitored in the hospital for three to five days, depending on their general condition and potential complications.

Preoperative Evaluation

Most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few weeks. Following your doctor’s advice is key to a smooth recovery. This may include:

• Avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting
• Eating a balanced, low-fat diet with plenty of protein
• Staying well-hydrated throughout the day
• Taking any prescribed medications as directed

Depending on the extent of surgery, some patients may experience changes in how their pancreas functions. This can affect digestion or blood sugar control, requiring adjustments to diet, medication, or in some cases, insulin therapy.

Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your recovery and detect any complications or signs of recurrence early.

Takeaway

Laparoscopic pancreatectomy offers a minimally invasive option for treating various pancreatic conditions, providing numerous benefits over traditional open surgery. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of each approach with your surgeon to determine the appropriate option for your specific case.

If you or a loved one is dealing with pancreatic disorders or considering surgery, reach out to Digestive & Liver Surgery Centre. Our clinic provides personalised guidance and minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic pancreatectomy. Contact us at 6737 8878 to schedule a consultation and explore your options.