Pancreatic Surgery
Pancreatic surgery for cysts, tumors and precancerous tumors is the frontline treatment for pancreatic cancer. Our pancreatic surgeons work with surgical oncologists (cancer surgeons) to customize a treatment plan.
Why Pancreatic Surgery?
The pancreas is a small gland in the abdomen that helps the body digest food and control blood sugar. When the pancreas is healthy, it regulates the chemicals and sugars for our body at the right time and in the right quantities to digest food.
However, when the pancreas becomes inflamed or scarred, it can cause digestive troubles and diabetes. Surgery can help.
Pancreatic Conditions We Treat Surgically
Our team uses advanced techniques to treat a range of conditions, including:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- Pancreatic pseudocysts
- Pancreatitis
- Precancerous lesions
Pancreatic Surgery We Perform at Cedars-Sinai
Our trained and highly skilled surgeons provide:
Laparoscopic and Robotic Pancreatic Resection (Partial Pancreas Removal)
Our team uses laparoscopic and robotic surgery to remove damaged or cancerous pancreatic tissue. We use two methods for pancreatic resection:
- Laparoscopic robotic resection: We perform this minimally invasive surgery through several tiny incisions. We thread a specialized scope into the pancreas to access the tumors. Laparoscopic resection can result in less scarring and pain as well as a faster recovery.
- Conventional resection: Our surgeons are highly skilled in traditional open surgery to remove part of the pancreas. We may recommend this approach if we determine it will give you the best results.
Pancreas Transplant
We have a unique level of transplant expertise that comes from performing pancreas transplants for more than 30 years. And we are continuing to innovate, so more people can live healthy lives.
Traditionally, the donor and recipient would need to have matching blood types for a transplant to be successful. Research at Cedars-Sinai is breaking the ABO incompatibility barrier, so matches can be made even between different blood types. This work is helping more people get healthy pancreases. Learn more about pancreas transplant surgery at Cedars-Sinai.
Islet Cell Transplant
We may recommend this procedure to control and relieve pain, especially for people with pancreatitis and those who have had a full pancreatic resection.
During a minimally invasive procedure, our surgeons remove several living cells from the pancreas (islets). We then re-implant the islets in the liver, where they work to prevent diabetes that often results from a total pancreatic resection.
Pancreatic Preserving Surgery (Parenchymal-Preserving Surgery)
Our team is highly skilled in pancreatic-sparing surgery for pancreatic cancer. We remove tumors and masses from the pancreas while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This technique speeds your recovery, so you can start the next stage of your treatment (chemotherapy or radiation therapy) sooner.
Cedars-Sinai Cancer Clinic
We are here to answer your questions about pancreas conditions and treatments. Our team empowers you with the information you need to make the best choices for your health.
Have Questions or Need Help?
To make an appointment or refer a patient, call the Pancreatic & Biliary Surgery Program. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.
8900 Beverly Blvd., Suite 250
Los Angeles, CA 90048