Pancreas surgery is also known as pancreatectomy. It involves removing part of the entire pancreas. Read more.
It is primarily used for treating tumors and pancreatitis. Tumors pose a risk of spreading, while pancreatitis causes severe pain and complications.
Conditions treated with pancreatectomy include pancreatic cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, metastatic kidney cancer, pancreatic cysts, and severe chronic pancreatitis. There are different types of pancreatectomy depending on the need at hand. The most notable examples include;
- Distal pancreatectomy: Removes the tail (and sometimes the body) of the pancreas, often including the spleen.
- Central pancreatectomy: Removes the pancreas’s central body, sparing the head and tail.
- Whipple procedure: Removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, bile duct, and gallbladder.
- Total pancreatectomy: Removes the entire pancreas, along with surrounding organs like the spleen, gallbladder, duodenum, and part of the stomach.
What is the Expected Pancreas Surgery Recovery Time?
Recovering from pancreas surgery is a gradual process that requires patience and careful attention to health. Typically, full recovery after pancreas surgery takes about two months. The experience can vary for each patient. To help you understand the recovery process after pancreas surgery, we’ll divide it into three phases as below;
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Phase 1: Hospital Recovery
After pancreas surgery, expect to stay in the hospital for about 3 to 10 days. During this period, you will have a dedicated healthcare team of residents, nurses, and surgeons who will closely monitor your progress.
Pain management is a key focus in this phase. You will get intravenous pain medication administered initially and oral medications prescribed for home use.
You will have staples and special dressings on your incisions and may have surgical drainage tubes in place. These will be regularly checked to ensure proper healing and drainage.
It’s normal to be discharged with drainage tubes, and you will be given instructions on how to care for them until they are removed in follow-up visits.
Due to “gastric ileus,” or temporary paralysis of the stomach, you cannot eat for several days post-surgery. Intravenous hydration is provided until the digestive system starts functioning again. The return to normal eating is a trial-and-error process and can be frustrating but is perfectly normal.
Before discharge, you will be required to meet certain criteria including;
- Being able to walk without help
- Being able to perform basic activities of daily living
- Having no unresolved medical or surgical issues
- Having tolerance for food and liquid and
- Stable temperature with no signs of fever
Depending on your unique case or scenario, especially for elderly patients, you may be recommended a stay in a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility before you can go home.
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Phase 2: After Discharge
Even after leaving the hospital, full recovery from pancreas surgery can take two months or longer. In the first two months, you will have bi-weekly follow-up visits at the pancreas surgery specialist clinic to monitor their recovery.
During these visits, your surgical incisions will be checked, and any staples or drainage tubes will be removed. Your diet, bowel functions, and pain control will also be reviewed.
You may want to keep a journal of food and drink intake to help you track recovery and facilitate discussions with your healthcare team. If you face any dietary issues you may be given a referral to a clinical nutritionist.
After the initial two months, the frequency of follow-up evaluations decreases to every 3-6 months. Regular imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, and blood tests may be required to monitor for cancer recurrence and ensure normal liver function.
If you had surgery for pancreatic cancer, you may need adjuvant chemotherapy which starts six to eight weeks post-surgery. This treatment is coordinated with a Pancreas Center oncologist or a local specialist to ensure convenience.
How to Speed Up Recovery after Pancreas Surgery
To speed up your recovery after pancreas surgery, you will need to take good care of yourself at home. Follow these tips;
- Rest and Sleep: Rest when you feel tired, as getting enough sleep is vital for recovery. You may need to nap often in the initial weeks. Listen to your body and allow yourself to rest as much as needed to promote healing.
- Gradual Activity: Begin by walking a little each day, gradually increasing the distance. Walking helps boost blood flow, preventing pneumonia and constipation. Avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to avoid strain on your body.
- Diet Adjustments: To prevent dumping syndrome, avoid high-sugar foods like desserts and soda. Do not drink liquids within a half-hour before or after eating, and eat slowly, chewing each bites about 20 times. Aim for 5 or 6 small meals a day instead of larger ones to manage digestion better.
- Healthy Eating: Focus on eating healthy foods to maintain your strength. If your appetite is low, consume foods high in protein and calories. Drink liquid meal replacements if necessary. If your stomach starts to feel upset, try switching to bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
- Enzyme Supplements: Post-surgery, you might need enzyme pills to help with digestion. This is especially true for fats. These supplements help your body break down and absorb nutrients more efficiently to ensure that you get the nutrition you need to recover.
- Medication Management: For medication, follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications. This includes resuming or adjusting any previous medicines, taking new prescriptions, and managing pain effectively. Always take antibiotics for the full course, even if you feel better before finishing them.
- Incision Care: Ensure the incision area is always clean and dry. Wash it daily with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they can slow healing. If you have tape strips on the incision, leave them on until they fall off naturally.
- Regular Exercise: Gradually incorporate regular exercise to regain strength. Start with walking daily and follow your doctor’s advice on when to increase activity. Exercise helps improve overall health and speeds up the recovery process.
The Bottom Line
Pancreas surgery recovery generally takes about two months. However, individual experiences vary so your case may be different. You will need close monitoring by a healthcare team, proper pain management, and gradual resumption of normal activities for a successful recovery.
Do you have any questions about pancreas surgery? Or wish to plan for your treatment, get in touch with our team of professionals today to schedule an appointment. Call or visit us at;
Dr. Lee Chin Li-Lee Surgery and Endoscopy | Colorectal Surgery | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore
6 Napier Rd, #04-16 Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
