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What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Dec 22, 2023 | Replies (169)Comment receiving replies
@skkirby
Hi, my wife is going in March 1st for this surgery. She was diagnosed April 2022, has completed 9 cycles of chemo, and the doctors are ready to try to remove as much is left. She also is having lesions removed (20 maybe) on liver, and remove gall bladder as it gets all clogged up from all the chemo the past few months. Questions to you are, I've read if possible, if the spleen can be saved to be very beneficial long term, I understand if the cancer is on the spleen there may be no choice. Were you explained that before the surgery or not? Just trying to get questions ready for the surgeon before pre op appointment next week for her surgery. Was your surgery open surgery or laporadic? Any and all info you can share either questions to the surgeon or if you had to do the surgery again, and basic advice?
Replies to "@skkirby Hi, my wife is going in March 1st for this surgery. She was diagnosed April..."
Hi there-
Yes, you are correct: if the spleen can be saved, long term your wife will be able to fight off infections easier, however, most surgeon's will remove it because it has such a rich blood source and is connected to the pancreas. My suggestion would be to share that concern with your surgeon. When I asked my surgeon about this same concern, he explained that he would try to save it, however, it's a very tricky and complicated surgery. My surgery started as laparoscopic but was converted to an open surgery. I would ask about drainage tubes, of the cancer has metastasized, what grade/type of tumor(s) they found, length of hospital stay, probable outcomes, and what vaccinations she will need for life if the spleen is removed. Due to my spleen being removed, I need numerous vaccines at varying intervals for the rest of my life. I would inquire about that also. I would be very interested to hear the outcome of your wife's surgery. I currently have a lesion on my liver that is small, however, my oncologist is watching it closely. I wish you and your wife peace as you head into the unknown. It can be scary but know that you have a huge support network here at Mayo Connect. If I can help further, please let me know.
Warmest Regards,
Sherry
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If I may insert my own experience with my distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy in July 2022. It was explained to me prior to surgery that they would try to save the spleen, but because it shares so many blood vessels with the pancreas, it is more efficient to remove the spleen. Without the spleen, I just need to keep up with vaccines to avoid certain infections, such as meningitis. My procedure was performed robot assisted, mostly laparoscopic, with five small incisions, and one slightly larger. No complications. After surgery for the IPMN, I did have stage 1b pancreatic cancer and am finishing chemo soon. But I feel that the initial surgery went very well. Let me know if you have any questions. Best wishes.