Dr Dharmesh Dhanani
MS, FNB (Minimal Access Surgery), FACS, FALS, FMAS, FAIS
Consultant Gastrosurgeon, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to diagnose early and treat effectively. In Surat and the surrounding regions of South Gujarat such as Navsari, Bardoli, Valsad, Bharuch, Ankleshwar and Vapi patients have increasingly begun to seek advanced, minimally invasive GI and HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) surgery. Among the major surgical procedures used to treat pancreatic cancer, Distal Pancreatectomy stands out as a highly effective option for tumours located in the body and tail of the pancreas.
Understanding the Pancreas: Why the Location Matters
The pancreas sits deep in the upper abdomen and has three major parts:
- Head (near the duodenum)
- Body
- Tail (near the spleen)
While cancers in the head of the pancreas usually require a Whipple procedure, cancers that develop in the body and tail are best treated with a Distal Pancreatectomy.
What is a Distal Pancreatectomy?
A Distal Pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the body and tail of the pancreas are removed. In many cases, the spleen is also removed if the tumour involves nearby blood vessels or lymph nodes.
This surgery is used to treat:
- Pancreatic cancer (body/tail)
- Neuroendocrine tumours
- Cystic tumours
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Solid pseudopapillary tumours
For cancer patients in Surat and South Gujarat, distal pancreatectomy provides a chance for long-term survival when performed at the right time by an experienced HPB surgeon.
What is a Distal Pancreatectomy?
Pancreatic cancer often does not show symptoms until it is advanced. When detected early in the body or tail of the pancreas, distal pancreatectomy offers the best chance of cure.
Benefits of Distal Pancreatectomy include:
- Complete removal of cancerous tissue
- Effective oncological clearance
- Lower surgical complexity than Whipple surgery
- Faster recovery if performed laparoscopically or robotically
- Reduced post-operative complications in experienced centres
At Kiran Hospital, Surat, this surgery is performed with advanced technologies, including minimally invasive and robotic approaches when suitable.
How Is Distal Pancreatectomy Performed?
1. Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Before surgery, patients undergo:
- CT scan / MRI
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (in select cases)
- Blood tests & tumour markers
- Fitness evaluation (heart, lungs, sugar levels)
This ensures accurate cancer staging and safe surgical planning.
2. The Surgery
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia.
Steps include:
- Accessing the pancreas through laparoscopic, robotic, or open technique.
- Isolating and removing the body and tail of the pancreas.
- Removing lymph nodes for cancer staging.
- Removing the spleen (if necessary).
- Ensuring a secure closure of the pancreatic stump to prevent leakage.
In selected cases, Dr. Dharmesh Dhanani preserves the spleen when cancer does not involve splenic vessels this helps maintain immune strength.
3. Post-Surgery Recovery
Recovery varies depending on the approach used:
Laparoscopic / Robotic Surgery Advantages:
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Early return to routine activities
Patients usually stay 4–7 days in the hospital. Full recovery may take 4–6 weeks.
A detailed follow-up plan is provided to every patient.
Who Needs Distal Pancreatectomy?
You may be a candidate if you have:
- A tumour in the body or tail of the pancreas
- A pancreatic cyst that is growing
- A neuroendocrine tumour
- Chronic pancreatitis causing complications
- A suspicious mass detected on CT/MRI
If you live in Surat or nearby cities like Navsari, Bharuch, Valsad, Bardoli, Vyara or Ankleshwar, early evaluation by an HPB specialist is crucial.
Symptoms That May Indicate Pancreatic Cancer
Patients often ignore early signs, assuming them to be acidity or gastritis. Watch for:
- Persistent upper abdominal pain
- Pain radiating to the back
- Unexplained weight loss
- New-onset diabetes
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (sometimes)
- Weakness or fatigue
If these symptoms persist, a consultation with an experienced GI and HPB surgeon is necessary.
Why Choose Dr. Dharmesh Dhanani at Kiran Hospital, Surat?
HPB & Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery Specialist – Extensive experience in complex pancreatic and GI cancer surgeries.
Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery Expertise – Offering laparoscopic and robotic options for quicker recovery.
Multidisciplinary Cancer Care – Oncology, radiology, pathology and ICU support under one roof.
Advanced Diagnostics – High-precision CT, MRI, EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) and tumour marker studies.
Trusted by Patients Across South Gujarat– Patients from Navsari, Vapi, Bharuch, Bardoli, Vyara, Valsad and Surat choose Kiran Hospital for HPB surgery.
Higher Success Rates & Better Outcomes – With early detection and expert surgical care, survival rates significantly improve.
Risks & Complications
As with any major surgery, risks exist. These may include:
- Pancreatic leak
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Temporary delayed gastric emptying
- Diabetes (rare but possible if significant pancreas portion removed)
Choosing an experienced GI & HPB surgeon helps in reducing complications and improving recovery.
Life After Distal Pancreatectomy
Most patients live a normal life after the surgery. Some points to remember:
- Maintain a healthy, low-fat diet
- Regular follow-up imaging
- Cancer-specific chemotherapy (if advised after pathology report)
- Vaccinations if spleen is removed
- Control of sugar levels (if pancreas function is affected)
A personalized care plan is created for each patient at Kiran Hospital.
Conclusion
A Distal Pancreatectomy is one of the most effective treatments for tumours in the body and tail of the pancreas. When performed early and by a skilled HPB surgeon, it offers excellent long-term outcomes and improved quality of life.
For patients in Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Bharuch, Bardoli, Ankleshwar and nearby cities, Dr. Dharmesh Dhanani at Kiran Hospital provides expert, advanced, and compassionate care for pancreatic cancer.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a pancreatic tumour, timely evaluation can save life.
Book an appointment with Dr. Dharmesh Dhanani to discuss the best treatment options.
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