✦ PANCREAS · RESECTION

Distal Pancreatectomy

Q: Will I develop diabetes after distal pancreatectomy?

New-onset diabetes occurs in 10–25% of patients, more likely when remaining head tissue is already damaged by chronic pancreatitis.

Q: Can the spleen be preserved during distal pancreatectomy?

Yes, spleen preservation is attempted for benign disease when the splenic vessels are not involved by the tumour.

Q: What is the risk of a pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy?

Pancreatic fistula occurs in 15–25% of cases. Most are managed conservatively. Clinically significant fistulas requiring intervention occur in less than 5%.

Removal of the body and tail of the pancreas — for tumours or chronic pancreatitis of the left pancreas.

180–300 Min TREATMENT DURATION

6–10 Days CARE SETTING

Open / Laparoscopic APPROACH

4–8 Weeks RECOVERY TIMELINE

What is Distal Pancreatectomy?

Distal pancreatectomy removes the body and tail of the pancreas, with or without the spleen. It is used for tumours and cysts of the left pancreas as well as chronic pancreatitis predominantly affecting the distal gland. The laparoscopic approach is preferred for eligible patients. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi performs laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Splenic preservation is attempted for benign disease to avoid lifelong post-splenectomy precautions. Splenectomy is performed when the tumour involves the splenic vessels.

Suitable for patients with tumours, cysts, or chronic pancreatitis predominantly affecting the body and tail of the pancreas, where distal resection provides complete removal with adequate margins.

How the Procedure Works

Pre-operative Staging

CT pancreatic protocol, MRCP, and EUS assess tumour extent and splenic vessels. Splenic preservation assessed pre-operatively.

Laparoscopic Access

4–5 keyhole incisions. Lesser sac entered for access to the posterior abdominal wall and pancreatic body.

Pancreatic Transection

Pancreas divided at the neck or body using a stapler. Splenic vessels controlled based on preservation plan.

Specimen Extraction

Distal pancreas (and spleen if included) extracted through a small extension incision.

Drain and Recovery

Drain placed adjacent to pancreatic staple line. Monitored for fistula for 3–5 days. Discharged in 5–7 days.

Outcomes

180–300 MinTREATMENT DURATION

6–10 DaysCARE SETTING

Open / LaparoscopicAPPROACH

4–8 WeeksRECOVERY TIMELINE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Laparoscopic approach — keyhole incisions versus large open incision
→Lower blood loss and fewer complications than open distal pancreatectomy
→Equivalent oncological clearance to open resection for left pancreatic tumours
→Splenic preservation possible for benign disease — avoids lifelong precautions

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has transformed pancreatic body and tail surgery — equivalent oncological results through keyhole incisions with significantly faster recovery than open surgery.

— Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Senior Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I develop diabetes after distal pancreatectomy?+

Can the spleen be preserved during distal pancreatectomy?+

What is the risk of a pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy?+

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