By far the most important complication following a pancreatico-duodenectomy is where one of the anastomosis (the joins between the bowel and the liver and pancreas) do not heal properly, allowing the contents of the intestine to leak outside the bowel. When surgical drains have been left near to the joins, the leaking fluid may be controlled and no other intervention is required. However if the leak makes you feel unwell, this may require further surgery or the insertion of a drain under x-ray control.
Sometimes your stomach may take longer to adapt to the changes after surgery and your food may not be able to pass through efficiently. You may need to stick to a liquid diet only for a while. Alternatively, you may need to take your nourishment through a naso-gastric tube until this resolves.
Some patients may produce a milky type of fluid (chyle) into their abdominal drain after surgery. Chyle is lymphatic fluid that builds up in the abdomen following trauma due to surgery. This resolves by reducing or stopping your oral intake for a period of time. Your dietitian or surgeon may feel that you should have artificial feeding during this period to support your nutrition intake.
Most people are overwhelmed after surgery and this can lead to feelings of confusion and frequent changes of mood. These emotions are part of the process that many people go through in trying to come to terms with their illness. There may be times when you want to be left alone to sort out your thoughts and feelings. If you feel you need help in coping, do talk to your doctor or nurse.
When you have had part of your pancreas removed, you may notice your stools (motions) have become pale, loose and greasy. You can correct this by taking a pancreatic enzyme capsule, called CREON, which will help you to digest your food. For more information on this click here.
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