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Pancreas Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ

WHAT IS PANCREAS SURGERY?

A pancreatectomy is a surgery that removes part or all of the pancreas to treat several medical conditions and diseases. The Whipple procedure (also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy) is a specific pancreatic surgery that can remove a tumor in the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder, and parts of the bile duct. In some cases, areas of the stomach and some lymph nodes around the cancerous area may also need to be removed. After these sections of the digestive system have been eliminated, the remaining parts of the pancreas and other organs can be connected to the small intestine, which will restore the patient’s normal digestive flow. While a pancreatectomy using the Whipple procedure is considered a technically difficult surgery, the skill and experience of the pancreas surgeons at Arizona Premier Surgery — along with advanced medical technology — allow us to perform this procedure in order to improve the quality of life for our patients in Scottsdale, AZ.

PANCREAS SURGERY REVIEWS

“Panceas problem!…Call Amini… enough said! Does not get any better.” 

– M.L. / Yelp / Sep 10, 2018

 

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR PANCREAS SURGERY?

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer can be treated in many ways, depending on the severity and location of the cancer in the pancreas. The Whipple procedure is designed to remove cancer from the head of the pancreas, which is where an estimated 75% of pancreatic cancers form.

HOW IS PANCREAS SURGERY PERFORMED?

The conventional Whipple procedure removes the head of the pancreas, as well as the duodenum, and portions of the stomach, bile duct, and gallbladder during general surgery. The pylorus-sparing Whipple procedure is similar to the conventional Whipple procedure except it does not remove any part of the stomach. Once the cancerous areas are removed, the surgeon then attaches the bile duct, stomach, and remaining pancreas to the small intestine. This allows the patient to digest food normally after their recovery.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS FOR PANCREAS SURGERY?

A pancreatectomy using the Whipple procedure is typically a 2 – 6 hour inpatient surgery. After spending a few nights in the hospital for monitoring and care, patients usually take 6 – 8 weeks to complete their recovery once they are home. Patients should follow up with their doctor in three months to assess their progress and determine if further treatment is needed.

PANCREAS SURGERY FAQ’s

What should I do to prepare for my pancreas surgery?

Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to best prepare for your surgery; however, you may want to bring a list of current medications, write down any current symptoms, make a plan for after-surgery care with a trusted friend or family member, and write down any questions you have for us. These may help put you in a better position for a smooth recovery after your surgery.

How much will my pancreas surgery cost?

The cost of your pancreas surgery will depend on a variety of factors. Someone from our team will contact your insurance company to see what your out-of-pocket cost will be. If you do not have insurance, we are happy to provide you with low-interest financing options available in our area. It’s important to focus on finding quality care with reputable doctors, like you will find at Arizona Premier Surgery, rather than your cheapest option. We are here for you and will help in any way we can!

How often will I need checkups following my pancreas surgery?

Following your surgery, we’ll meet with you in about three weeks to check in and see how you’re recovering. Following that, we’ll likely set up return appointments every 3 – 4 months for the first two years after your pancreas surgery, then every six months until about five years after your surgery, then once a year after that. This will allow us to ensure you are healing well and that everything is moving along smoothly after your procedure in the following years.

FIND A QUALIFIED PANCREAS SURGEON

If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, please schedule a consultation at Arizona Premier Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ to learn more about your options. In many cases, it may be possible for our expert gallbladder surgeons to remove your cancer while maintaining a normal digestive flow and function by undergoing a pancreatectomy using the Whipple procedure. Contact our office to take your first step toward recovery today. We also serve the neighboring areas of Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and Mesa, AZ.

In this video below, Dr. Amini discusses various treatment options with a patient who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Each case is unique, and if you have received a cancer diagnosis please schedule a visit to speak with Dr. Amini about your possible treatment options.

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