Guide To Understanding Pancreas Removal Surgery

Recovery Process

A patient stays in the hospital for anywhere between several days and several weeks after their pancreas removal surgery. The overall recovery process is very dependent on the patient's condition. Individuals who undergo a pancreas removal stay on a liquid diet for several days after their procedure, and solid foods are gradually added to their diet over time. A patient who has this type of procedure will not be able to drive for between two and three weeks after their surgery. The recovery process of a pancreas removal surgery also entails learning how to care for the body with reduced or no pancreatic function. The loss of function alters the way the body can digest food and maintain homeostasis. A patient may need to learn how to eat a new low-carbohydrate and low-sugar diet, avoid drugs and alcohol, administer regular insulin injections, learn how to use an insulin pump, and take replacement digestive enzymes with each meal they consume. For patients who had a pancreas removal surgery due to pancreatic cancer, the recovery process may involve cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.