Anatomy and Functions of the Pancreas
There are many disorders of the pancreas that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional.
Obstructive Jaundice
This occurs when the bile ducts are obstructed by masses in the pancreas.
Surgical procedures to treat disorders of the pancreas include:
Whipple/Pancreaticoduodenostomy
A surgical procedure in which the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, part of the stomach, part of the small intestine, and the bile duct are removed. Enough of the pancreas is left to produce digestive juices and insulin.
Distal Pancreatectomy
The body and the tail of the pancreas and usually the spleen are removed.
Total Pancreatectomy
This operation removes the whole pancreas, part of the stomach, part of the small intestine, the common bile duct, the gallbladder, the spleen, and nearby lymph nodes.
Bile Duct Bypass
This procedure is done if the pancreas has blocked the main bile duct. A new connector to the bowel may need to be created to avoid jaundice.
