Q: What types of surgical procedures are used to treat pancreatic cancer?

Answer:

This depends on the stage of the disease and where the tumour is located within the pancreas. Not all patients are eligible for surgery to remove the tumour. However there are other surgical procedures that can help manage symptoms such as stent placement to relieve jaundice.

Click here for surgical procedures used to remove the tumour (resection)

Click here for other surgical procedures

If you have been told you may be having a surgical procedures, here are a list of suggested questions you may want to ask your doctor beforehand:

• What kind of operation will I have?
• How will I feel after the operation?
• How will you manage any pain/discomfort from the operation?
• What other treatment will I need?
• How long will I be in the hospital?
• Will I need a feeding tube after surgery?
• Will I need a special diet after surgery?
• What will be the long-term effects?
• When will I get back to my normal activities?
• How often will I need check-ups?