Pancreatic function and post-surgical considerations

  In recent years, with the development of diagnostic imaging technology, the early detection of pancreatic body and tail tumors is increasing, thus the chance of pancreatic body and tail resection is also increasing.  The pancreas is a strip-shaped glandular organ, about 12-20 cm long and 3-5 cm wide in adults, weighing about 70-120 g. It is located in the upper abdomen, directly behind the stomach and above the small intestine. The small intestine is divided into three parts: duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and the pancreas is also divided into three parts: head, body and tail.  The head of the pancreas is surrounded by the duodenum, the body of the pancreas is located behind the stomach, and the tail of the pancreas is located near the splenic hilum. A part of the lower edge of the head of the pancreas is wrapped around the superior mesenteric vessels, called the leptomen. The pancreatic duct is located in the parenchyma of the pancreas, through which digestive enzymes are discharged into the duodenum. The opening of the pancreatic duct in the duodenum is called Vater’s jugular, and the bile secreted by the liver is discharged into the duodenum through the left and right hepatic ducts and the common bile duct.  The main function of the pancreas is to secrete various hormones and digestive enzymes, which is known as endocrine and exocrine functions. The hormones mainly include insulin and glucagon (both of which affect blood glucose levels), and the main function of digestive enzymes is to assist in the digestion of food, especially fat. These functions of the pancreas are greatly affected after pancreatic surgery, and patients often experience elevated blood glucose, indigestion, diarrhea and wasting. At this time, insulin injections and oral medication (pancreatic enzymes) are needed for replacement therapy, and a few patients can relieve themselves.  Pre-surgery preparation 1. daily aerobic exercise, which is beneficial to post-operative recovery; 2. strict cessation of smoking; 3. blood tests, including blood, urine, stool routine, biochemistry, electrolytes, coagulation, hepatitis B, C, HIV, syphilis antibodies, tumor markers, etc.; 4. chest X-ray, ECG, abdominal CT, MRI; 5. if there are other systemic diseases, such as heart, lung and other organs, it is necessary to do 6. enema or oral laxative to cleanse the intestine one day before surgery; 7. light diet one day before surgery and water fasting from the early morning of the surgery day; 8. appropriate infusion and intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection before surgery; 9. indwelling gastric and urinary catheters on the morning of surgery.  The scope of resection includes the body, tail and spleen of the pancreas, as well as the removal of the surrounding associated lymph nodes, and finally the severed end of the pancreas is sutured.