What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?

I was 75 in 9/2022 when I had my distal with spleen removed. I had absolutely no pain. Just a few holes with, I guess, stitches that desolved on their own. They also installed a little pain pump that the nurses would insist I use. They did not want any pain. I also had a little fluid drain. Everything was removed on day six, again with no pain. Have a friend who had to keep her drain in for about 10 days after discharge...but it's no big deal. It's self contained. Doubt if you'll need to do anything with the drain if it does need to remain for a few extra days. I rested for one day, then headed out to walk and explore the neighborhood. Took it slow the first two or three days and gradually picked up the pace and increased the distance. By the time I was ready for my port, I was just about where I was prior to surgery. Diet? Eat healthy. Leave the processed and junk foods behind. Add plenty of foods good for the microbiome, (sugarless yogurts, sourkraut, miso, pickles, etc. - no sugar substitutes) it will help immensely with bowel issues. Take full advantage of your dieticians advice! Wishing you the best.

I had a distal pancreatectomy. There really is no exact answer. Every person is different. I was in the hospital for 7 days. I also had my spleen removed. They attempted to do it less invasively but had to open me up. I have a lovely battle scar. As far as pain. again it depends. At first I was on the pump where I could push the button. Then just every x number of hours. Slowly the pain lessened but for the first few weeks it was pretty bad.

Robot assisted sounds so futuristic but I know it is done. I don't think I had that option. I had to do the shots also. I take Creon, three pills three times a day. How is your neuropathy?

Hi,
I am 66 years old and had a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy in July 2022. I had an IPMN pancreatic cyst that looked suspicious. The post-op pathology showed an adenocarcinoma, and I have stage 1b pancreatic cancer. In my experience with the operation, I was in the hospital for five days. It would have been four days, but I was kept in due to a fever. Initial pain following surgery was managed with self-dosing IV for one day, followed by oral pain meds. I didn't find the pain to be excruciating. My operation was performed with robot assisted means, and I had five small incisions. Uncomfortable at times, but not painful. I was told that full recovery would be three months, but I felt pretty good in half that time. I followed a low fat diet, avoided lifting, and got regular light exercise (walking was very good), and rested. Part of my regimen was self-injecting meds to prevent blood clots, and Regalen to help with digestion. Without a spleen I needed to follow up with vaccines. I hope this is helpful. Each person's experience is not the same, I think, but I hope that you can draw some help from my experience. Let me know if you have any questions.

Welcome @faithjlv. I moved your message asking for suggestions and advice prior to your husband's distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy to remove a neuroendocrine tumor to this existing discussion:

- What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recovery-after-distal-pancreatectomy-and-splenectomy/

I did this so you can review the previous helpful suggestions made and to connect easily with fellow members who have been there like @ken240 @blw77 @skkirby @leighs2011 @jqleck @stageivsurvivor and more.

You're asking great questions like pain management, length of hospital stay and things you can do and be prepared for to make his recovery as smooth as possible. It is terrifying. I get that. I know members will have tips to help. Your husband is lucky to have you.

My husband is having a distal pancreatectomy with a splenectomy to remove a Neuroendocrine tumor located towards the tail of the pancreas. I could use all the insight any of you might have. How was recovery? How much pain will he be in? Any ideas on how to make his hospital stay easier? What about when we come home from the hospital? Is there anything I can do to make this easier for him? I feel lost and really could use any information you feel comfortable sharing with me. Thank you for your help. This journey is terrifying.

Absolutely do the fecal test. Only 1 sample is needed - at least for me. Will get results quickly and you will know if you need digestive enzymes. Possible enzymes: prescription, Creon or Zenpep. Both are pricey because no generic is available ( roughly $10 per pill if no insurance, $2 per pill with insurance-remember you will need 1 per meal. HOWEVER, these are simply pig enzymes and if you check Amazon you will find about 40 different brands(over the counter). I initially bought Micrazyme, were about 60 cents per pill, and they worked. Company is based in England and “pills are manufactured to EU standards” and Amazon delivered in 2 days.

Thanks for info now I have a better idea of what goes on thanks.

The diagnostic test for diagnosing Exocrine Pancreas Insufficiency (EPI) is the Fecal Elastase test. Signs that an individual may have EPI are floating stools, oily sheen on toilet water, light, yellow or orange yellow, moderate to painful cramping and bloating especially after consuming fats, urgency in having a bowel movement, foul smelling flatulence and stool. Food passing through GI tract quickly. Weight loss from malabsorption despite consuming large amounts of food and calories.

These links are informative on signs, symptoms, need for and the administration of PERT-

PANCREATIC ENZYMES
https://letswinpc.org/managing-pancreatic-cancer/2019/10/09/pancreatic-enzymes-explained/

Good Afternoon Leighs2011,
I am curious how you were able to determine you did not need PERT (CREON). My wife is pre-surgery right now. Her tumor is in the tail / body area of her pac. She is taking PERT with each meal. Our concern is nutritional uptake. Hate to be gross or provide too much detail BUT...her stools are yellowish, formed but not dense and float. I asked the nutritionist if there is a test for her natural enzyme status or production. They were unclear and / or unsure. I was just curious of your determination in not requiring PERT and how that was resolved for you. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Hello I had a distal pancreatectomy/splenectomy about 5 years ago at UCLA and it was about a two month recovery with the first month being hard but second month much better. My daughter really helped me by nagging me to walk and walking with me every day in hospital. She is a physician at UCLA and really helped me get used to diabetes even though i took care of my Mother who had type 2 in her later years. Having it your self is a shock but now with a glucose monitor and pump it is easier. It depends on where your tumor is if you will have diabetes after surgery. I never needed any digestive enzymes though so was thankful for that. Good luck with all, leigh