What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?

blw77-

No worries. Please feel free to reach out to me if you think of additional questions. I am an open book and am glad to share what I have experienced and what I have learned along the way regarding NETs.

Warmest Regards,
Sherry

Thank you for sharing your personal experience. I know that I need to ask my doctors specific questions but I'm just curious about what others have experienced so I can mentally prepare.

I am not sure yet which I'll be having, I am waiting to see when the pre-op appointment will be scheduled for all of that information. I am a teacher so depending when the surgery is, I could have some extra down time built in.

Hi @blw77, I would like to add my welcome along with the others who have provided some insights. Do you know if you will be having open surgery or laparoscopic surgery? Are you able to work from home?

Hi there-
I had a distal pancreatectomy/splenectomy for a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in January 2021 with Dr. Cleary (Rochester Mayo). I was admitted for an 11 day stay. I would say its not a horrible recovery; but its a long one as I am a year and a half out from surgery and still have trouble laying flat. I just had to have scar tissue removed from the 6 inch incision and that was actually more painful than the initial surgery. I hope you are feeling better soon. If you need me to share more, or if you have additional questions please ask. I will be happy to share. Wishing you peace.

Sherry

I did not have a distal surgery but rather a Whipple but any abdominal surgery is a serious operation . My surgeon opted to do an open surgery and I am glad but many opt for Laparoscopy which less invasive. Either way, I think you need to plan for 4 week minimal and then slowly get back to full effort. REST is very beneficial to healing. I do not mean, no movement as walking is a great way to get the internal organs operating better and smoother again and it really helps to reduce abdominal pain and "gripping".

This is really a question for your medical team. A lot is going to depend on whether they are able to do what's needed laporoscopically or open surgery. We found out that the surgical plan for my wife's distal was going to be open instead of lap only a few days before surgery.