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What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?

Posted by blw77 @blw77, Jun 6, 2022

Can anyone give me information on how their recovery was after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy? After 2 years of MRIs every 6 months and watching an MNC slowly but steadily grow, my doctor said that I should have this procedure. I'm 45 and typically a fairly healthy and active female. I'm trying to figure out how much time I'll need to be off of work or if I can manage to squeeze in in during the summer yet while I'm off.

Thank you for any information you have!

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skiball | @skiball | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @shezza51 "Hi there Im 71 & reasonably fit --prior to my op --centre of pancreas removed due..." + (show)
@shezza51

Hi there
Im 71 & reasonably fit --prior to my op --centre of pancreas removed due to pre-cancerous cysts plus total spleen removed --i was walking 3km every day but they did open surgery not laparoscopy so I was on 3 painkillers and exhausted for 4-6 weeks. 3 months out im now on 2 painkillers and can drive for up to an hour each way but 2+ hours is exhausting.
Diet is a challenge as with a partial pancreotomy you have 5-6 small meals a day not 3 meals but 90% of the time I now feel ok.
Best of luck--get as fit as you can as you will recover sooner.
Im in Australia but surgery is same

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Would you consider this a prophylactic surgery then? You had not been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Was it IPMN?

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1 reply
skiball | @skiball | Jan 29, 2023

What is MNC? I am a healthy and fit 70 year old with IPMN (pancreatic cyst) dilated 7mm at the main pancreatic duct. Only found out I had this in June 2022 incidental to diverticulitis. It was also there in 2013 with a kidney stone but I was not told until 2022.
Thanks for any info, and what part of the country do you live?

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1 reply
milagro45pr | @milagro45pr | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @gamaryanne "Hello, I had the surgery on December 7 laperoscopic. Totally the best way if one can..." + (show)
@gamaryanne

Hello, I had the surgery on December 7 laperoscopic. Totally the best way if one can find a surgeon in your area that is skilled to do it. I am now 6 weeks out and feel totally normal. I am still taking the enzymes and learning what foods affect me but as one could expect, it’s usually things with high fat( which we don’t need anyway)!
Happy to go into detail on recovery and post op pain if anyone is interested. Strongly recommend having a nutritionist available for consulting during this time.
Hugs to all!

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That would be great. I’m getting it laparoscopically but I’m scared of the possible complications that can happen with the surgery. Glad your doing well.

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1 reply
milagro45pr | @milagro45pr | Jan 29, 2023

Im worried about also getting spleen removed. I work at the hospital. Should I worry even though I’m getting vaccines. There’s so much germs and viruses that can circulate in the hospital.

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1 reply
shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @skiball "Would you consider this a prophylactic surgery then? You had not been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer?..." + (show)
@skiball

Would you consider this a prophylactic surgery then? You had not been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Was it IPMN?

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Yes you could say that--the 4 cysts were found in 2015 when having Diverticular disease diagnosed--they were 15-20mm in size but by march of 2022 2 were 25mm & 2 were 30mm pre-cancerous and "entangled" I was told by surgeons. Spleen was removed due to problems removing cysts & it was 6 hour complicated surgery. Removjng complete pancreas would have been "over treating" plus results in diabetes
Also there isn't a forum for Distal Pancreotomy & Splenectomy for non cancerous removals--

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1 reply
shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @milagro45pr "Im worried about also getting spleen removed. I work at the hospital. Should I worry even..." + (show)
@milagro45pr

Im worried about also getting spleen removed. I work at the hospital. Should I worry even though I’m getting vaccines. There’s so much germs and viruses that can circulate in the hospital.

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Do you have a choice ?

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shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @milagro45pr "I’m getting that surgery on March 10th. They told me 6-8weeks. That’s is if all goes..." + (show)
@milagro45pr

I’m getting that surgery on March 10th. They told me 6-8weeks. That’s is if all goes well and nothing gets complicated.

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They told me that too !! and if you're not 71 it prob will be--on your next visit ask how long before fully recovered internally
Also i didnt rest enough when 1st home nor did i have any help for 1st week
See that bulge in my pic ? Surgery was oct 27 & it was visible before i went to ICU--had a CT on Jan 19th to confirm if blood & fluids--what happens next i dont know.

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shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @skiball "What is MNC? I am a healthy and fit 70 year old with IPMN (pancreatic cyst)..." + (show)
@skiball

What is MNC? I am a healthy and fit 70 year old with IPMN (pancreatic cyst) dilated 7mm at the main pancreatic duct. Only found out I had this in June 2022 incidental to diverticulitis. It was also there in 2013 with a kidney stone but I was not told until 2022.
Thanks for any info, and what part of the country do you live?

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im in victoria australia

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1 reply
shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @gamaryanne "Hello, I had the surgery on December 7 laperoscopic. Totally the best way if one can..." + (show)
@gamaryanne

Hello, I had the surgery on December 7 laperoscopic. Totally the best way if one can find a surgeon in your area that is skilled to do it. I am now 6 weeks out and feel totally normal. I am still taking the enzymes and learning what foods affect me but as one could expect, it’s usually things with high fat( which we don’t need anyway)!
Happy to go into detail on recovery and post op pain if anyone is interested. Strongly recommend having a nutritionist available for consulting during this time.
Hugs to all!

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Did you have cysts in your pancreas ?
on a ct one of mine looked like 1/2 a cauliflower--stems everywhere

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