Guide To Understanding Pancreas Removal Surgery

Pancreas removal surgery is a surgical procedure performed to remove an individual's pancreas. The pancreas, which is part of the endocrine system, is located behind the stomach and is responsible for the production of certain enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help maintain appropriate blood glucose levels. An individual may need to have a pancreas removal procedure if they have cancer, recurrent inflammation, or neoplasm in the gland. A patient with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia or certain pancreatic injuries may need to undergo a pancreas removal surgery. Recovery from a pancreas removal surgery may take anywhere from days to a couple of weeks, while the patient learns how to live without pancreatic functionality. The long term effects of this type of surgery require the use of medication to manage diabetes for the rest of the patient's life.