Pancreatectomies in East Valley, AZ

Serving Tempe, Apache Junction, Casa Grande & Florence

The pancreas is a small gland located in the abdomen right behind and slightly below the stomach. The pancreas supplies enzymes to your digestive tract and insulin to the bloodstream when functioning properly.

Sometimes, the pancreas can develop problems requiring surgery. This can be due to conditions such as masses or cysts. In some cases, you may need to have part of your pancreas removed.

Surgical Professionals would be happy to evaluate you if you have a pancreatic problem that may need surgery. We have been here for patients in the Phoenix metro area over the last 20 years. When you choose us, your health is our primary concern.

To schedule a consultation for a partial pancreatectomy in Arizona, contact us at 480-892-2456. We operate at major hospitals in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek.

Who Needs a Pancreatectomy?

You may benefit from pancreatectomy surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

• Cancer
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

At Surgical Professionals, we can review your symptoms and point you toward the best treatment for your situation, which could be surgery. If surgery isn’t your best treatment option, we will tell you.

Your health is our primary concern, so if we cannot help, we will refer you to a provider who can. In some cases, we may not be able to provide the surgery you might need, but if so, we will work to put you in touch with some of our referral surgeons as appropriate.

What Is a Distal Pancreatectomy?

Pancreatectomy is the technical name for surgery that removes the pancreas. It is considered both an endocrine and abdominal surgery.

In a distal pancreatectomy, the body and tail of the pancreas are removed, while the head of the pancreas is preserved. Because the spleen is positioned so close to the tail of the pancreas, your surgeon may also remove this during the procedure.

A distal pancreatectomy may be performed laparoscopically, eliminating the need for larger incisions required with open surgery. Patients who receive laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies tend to experience shorter hospital stays.

Risks of a Pancreatectomy

A distal pancreatectomy is a major operation performed under general anesthesia. As with all surgical procedures, it comes with certain risks you should be aware of, including:

• Post-operative pain
• Bleeding
• Post-surgical infections
• Blood clots
• Bile or pancreatic leakage
• Digestive issues
• Weight loss

This is not an exhaustive list, and more specific risks to your particular condition will be provided by your surgeon. The team at Surgical Professionals takes every possible precaution to ensure the utmost safety for our patients.

Recovering From a Partial Pancreatectomy

Immediately following surgery, you will be placed in a post-operative area for careful monitoring. Once the anesthetic wears off, you’ll be moved to a hospital room for further monitoring and pain management. You will need to spend a few days in the hospital after your distal pancreatectomy.

Be aware that you may be unable to eat regular food for at least two to three days after surgery. Expect to resume your regular activities slowly in the days and weeks following surgery.

Schedule a Partial Pancreatectomy in the Phoenix Metro Area

If you have been struggling with a pancreatic illness, meet with Surgical Professionals for a consultation. Not everyone with pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and other related conditions are candidates for surgery, but if you are, we will strive to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact us at 480-892-2456 to schedule a surgical consultation for a pancreatectomy in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and surrounding areas. 

Please note that the above information is provided for general purposes only and may not apply to your specific situation. Our surgical capabilities are constantly evolving and may also be subject to change. Contact us to discuss your medical condition, determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual case, and confirm that we can address your procedure.