Kolkata's CMRI hospital successfully performs total pancreatectomy with splenic preservation in cases of cancer in pancreas

Gastrointestinal & Hepatobiliary Surgeon Ajay Mandal led the two Total Pancreatectomy, which is a surgical procedure performed to treat chronic pancreatitis when other treatment methods are unsuccessful.

According to MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) Health, total pancreatectomy involves the removal of the entire pancreas, as well as the gallbladder and common bile duct, and portions of the small intestine and stomach, and most often, the spleen.

Gastrointestinal and Hepatopancreatobiliary (GI & HPB) surgery is a specialized medical field focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the digestive system, liver, pancreas, and biliary system.

GI specialists manage conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus, including issues like inflammatory bowel diseases and gastrointestinal cancers.

On the other hand, HPB deals with liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, pancreatic conditions like pancreatitis and tumours, and disorders of the biliary system, including gallstones and bile duct cancers.

"Cancer of the pancreas poses significant challenges due to the organ's crucial functions and intricate anatomy, the removal of the entire pancreas and is a complex procedure often associated with increased risks and complications," a case study released by the hospital read.

Preserving the spleen during this surgery is an innovative approach that aims to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life post-surgery, when the same was done previously; the spleen had to be sacrificed on both occasions.

GI & HPB surgeon Ajay Mandal-led team removed the whole pancreas but saved the spleen in these two operations.

According to the hospital reports, both the patients are doing well after the successful surgeries.