What is a Total Pancreatectomy?

A total pancreatectomy procedure involves the complete removal of the pancreas. Similar to the Whipple procedure, total pancreatectomy surgery also entails the removal of local lymph nodes as well as a portion of the stomach, duodenum, gallbladder and possibly the spleen. To ensure that food and bile will continue to flow properly into the small intestine, a surgeon will reconnect the remaining portion of the stomach and common bile duct to the middle portion of the small intestine (jejunum).

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When is a Total Pancreatectomy Recommended?

Total pancreatectomy surgery may be recommended if:

• Multiple pancreatic tumors are present
• Cancerous cells have invaded most of the pancreatic tissue
• Treatment is needed for a precancerous condition, such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (IPMN), to prevent the development of pancreatic cancer
• Tumors located in a position that cannot be removed with a partial pancreatic resection  

Total pancreatectomy is a complex operation that requires careful planning and long-term support. Our team works closely with patients to help them adapt successfully after surgery.

Pamela Hodul, MD

Surgical oncologist, Gastrointestinal Oncology Program

The pancreas produces two main hormones, insulin and glucagon, to help regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. When the pancreas is removed, a patient will develop diabetes, which means the patient will be required to take insulin to keep his or her blood sugar levels at safe levels and to test those levels regularly. Additionally, because the pancreas produces essential enzymes to aid in the digestion of fat, a patient will have to take enzyme replacement medication following a total pancreatectomy procedure.

Life After a Total Pancreatectomy

Because the pancreas produces insulin and digestive enzymes, patients who undergo a total pancreatectomy will require:

• Insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels
• Pancreatic enzyme replacement to aid digestion

At Moffitt, patients are supported by a multispecialty team, including endocrinologists, nutritionists and other specialists who help manage these changes.

Experienced Pancreatic Team at Moffitt

Moffitt Cancer Center’s Gastrointestinal Oncology Program provides our patients with an enhanced quality of life. As a high-volume cancer center, Moffitt has extensive experience in all aspects of pancreatic cancer treatment and highly experienced pancreatic surgeons. In addition to outstanding surgeons and oncologists, our multispecialty team of pancreatic cancer experts includes experienced endocrinologists who specialize in treating diabetes and other conditions of the endocrine system. After a patient undergoes a total pancreatectomy procedure, these compassionate professionals will be available to provide education and guidance to help the patient manage the resulting insulin-dependent diabetes.

If you have questions about total pancreatectomy surgery, the experts at Moffitt can provide the answers you need. Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. We see patients with and without referrals.