Pancreas removal

As one of the last treatment options for malignant neoplasms of the pancreas, a total pancreaticectomy can be performed. Since the pancreas is also attached to many organs, it is necessary to reattach the organs in the correct way. The stomach is usually reduced in size and connected to the small intestine.

The duodenum and gall bladder are usually removed completely with a total pancreaticectomy. If parts of the pancreas are still present, the bile duct system must be connected with so-called switched-off small intestine loops. Total pancreaticectomy is associated with many risks, intensive aftercare of the patient is necessary, pancreatic enzymes must be administered to the patient at regular intervals. – Gall bladder (green)

Pancreatic cancer (purple)
Pancreatic duct (yellow)
Pancreatic head (blue)
Pancreatic body (Copus pancreaticus) (blue)
Pancreas tail (blue)
Bile duct (Ductus cysticus) (green)

Diseases of the pancreas caused by alcohol

One of the most common diseases of the pancreas is caused by alcohol. The so-called pancreatitis, also known as pancreatitis, is a common and not harmless concomitant disease of severe alcoholism. As alcohol attacks the cells of the pancreas, both chronic excessive alcohol consumption and acute alcohol consumption, which takes place excessively, is a major risk of pancreatitis.

Characteristic symptoms of pancreatitis are a belt-shaped pain that starts just above the navel. The pain is described as oppressive and extremely unpleasant. As a rule, the patient’s survey after alcohol consumption leads to a suspected diagnosis of pancreatitis.

During the physical examination, it is noticeable that the abdomen is painful due to pressure and the patient is in a poor general condition. An ultrasound of the abdomen and, in cases of doubt, a CT of the abdomen are available as imaging procedures. In the case of pancreatitis there is often a distended pancreas, often with inflammatory fluid.

The patient’s laboratory is also conspicuous and usually shows high inflammation values as well as lipase elevation. For treatment, a consistent abstinence from alcohol is of great importance. In addition, some antibiotics are available which can be given to the patient.

The pancreas is an exocrine, i.e. enzyme producing organ. It is of particular importance in the utilization of food. The so-called beta cells that run through the pancreas produce the insulin that is essential for life.

As soon as the body is supplied with sugar, these cells release insulin, which then transports the excess sugar from the blood into the cells and thus ensures that the body does not suffer from hyperglycaemia. In addition, the pancreas also produces the so-called lipase, which is necessary for fat splitting. In many pancreatic diseases, appropriate dietary changes can have a positive effect on pancreatic disease.

In the case of acute pancreatitis (acute inflammation of the pancreas), a consistent dietary restriction should be maintained for at least 24 hours. After that the gradual build-up of food can begin again. However, the food consumed should be extremely low in fat or fat-free.

Bit by bit, more fatty things can then be eaten. In principle, however, a low-fat diet should be followed after pancreatitis. Margarine should be eaten instead of butter, low-fat fish instead of meat, and fried foods should be avoided.