Distal Pancreatectomy
A distal pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat tumors located in the body and tail of the pancreas. During this operation, the tail and body of the pancreas are removed, and in some cases, the spleen may also be removed due to its proximity. The head of the pancreas, which connects to the small intestine, is preserved.
In some cases, a distal pancreatectomy can be performed through minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery. These approaches allow surgeons to operate with small incisions, using advanced imaging and specialized instruments, which may result in less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays.
Conditions Treated with Distal Pancreatectomy
An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment for pancreatic cancer are essential because, like many other forms of cancer, it can spread locally to blood vessels and nearby organs, such as the stomach and the small intestine. Cancer cells can also potentially break away and spread to distant sites, such as the liver, lungs and lymph nodes.
A distal pancreatectomy may be recommended for treating:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Cystic tumors
- Mucinous cystic neoplasms (potentially cancerous lesions)
Depending on the location and pathology of a tumor, a distal pancreatectomy procedure can take approximately two to four hours to complete. If conservation of the spleen is planned, a surgeon will first close off the blood vessels that are shared between the pancreas and the spleen, and then isolate the appropriate area of the spleen for removal.
Expert Surgical Team at Moffitt
Pancreatic cancer is comparatively rare, which means that many surgeons and cancer centers do not have extensive experience in treating the condition. One notable exception is Moffitt Cancer Center, a high-volume pancreatic surgery center, that performs a large number of distal pancreatectomies each year.
Our highly experienced surgeons treat many patients with pancreatic malignancies and are experienced in performing distal pancreatectomy operations and other procedures, including Whipple surgery. As a result, Moffitt offers a refined level of surgical expertise that directly translates to continually improving survival rates and better quality of life for our patients.
Pancreatic cancer patients also benefit from a multidisciplinary tumor board, including:
- Surgical oncologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Radiologists and pathologists
- Supportive care specialists
Our expert team evaluates each case to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, including whether surgery should be performed using a minimally invasive or traditional approach.
Medically reviewed by Jason Denbo, MD, Gastrointestinal Oncology Program.
If you’d like to learn more about a distal pancreatectomy, Whipple surgery or other treatment options for pancreatic cancer, the experts at Moffitt can provide the information you need to make fully educated decisions about the right treatment for you. Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.