Pancreatic Cancer Surgery in Delhi

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, largely because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and progresses rapidly.

In Delhi, pancreatic cancer surgery plays a crucial role in the management of patients with localised and resectable tumours. Surgical intervention, when medically appropriate, offers the best opportunity for disease control and improved survival outcomes.

Advances in pancreatic cancer surgery in Delhi, including improved imaging, careful staging, and refined surgical techniques, have enhanced patient selection and outcomes. The effectiveness of surgery depends on multiple factors, including tumour stage, involvement of surrounding blood vessels, and the patient’s overall health. When integrated with chemotherapy and supportive care, surgical treatment can significantly influence long-term prognosis and quality of life for selected patients.

What is the Pancreas?

The pancreas, situated behind the stomach, is crucial for digestion and blood sugar regulation. It comprises two main functions: producing digestive enzymes that aid in food breakdown and releasing hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels. 

The exocrine cells produce enzymes that are transported to the small intestine for digestion, while the endocrine cells, clustered in islets, regulate blood sugar levels. This dual functionality makes the pancreas integral to the digestive and endocrine systems, ensuring proper nutrient absorption and maintaining stable blood glucose levels, vital for overall bodily function and health.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells in the pancreas, a crucial organ behind the stomach. This cancer typically begins in the cells lining the ducts that carry digestive enzymes or in the cells responsible for hormone production. Often, pancreatic cancer is challenging to detect in its early stages due to a lack of noticeable symptoms, leading to diagnoses in more advanced stages.

The disease’s severity lies in its tendency to spread rapidly to nearby organs and distant parts of the body, contributing to its high fatality rate. Factors like smoking, obesity, family history, and certain genetic conditions increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. 

Treatments often include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination, but the prognosis for pancreatic cancer remains generally poor. Early detection, though challenging, is crucial for better treatment outcomes, underscoring the importance of ongoing research for improved diagnostic methods and more effective therapies.

What is the Role of Surgery in Pancreatic Cancer?

Surgery plays a critical role in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, especially for localised tumours. The primary aim is to remove the tumour entirely or as much as possible, potentially offering a chance for long-term survival or cure.

Dr. Deep Goel highlights, “Pancreatic cancer surgery is among the most complex in gastrointestinal oncology. It requires not only surgical expertise but also a well-coordinated post-operative care team. Success doesn’t end in the operating room—it’s about the patient’s recovery, monitoring, and long-term support.”

Type of Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer

The available surgical choices are the following:

• Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): Often used for tumours in the head of the pancreas, this complex surgery involves removing the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, gallbladder, bile duct, and sometimes a portion of the stomach and lymph nodes.
• Distal Pancreatectomy: This surgery is suitable for tumours in the body or tail of the pancreas. It involves removing the body and the bottom of the pancreas, sometimes along with the spleen.
• Total Pancreatectomy: This procedure is rare and involves removing the entire pancreas, the spleen, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, the common bile duct, and lymph nodes.

A patient from Kenya shares, “When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, my family was devastated. We came to India after hearing about Dr. Deep Goel. He thoroughly explained every option, and I underwent a Whipple procedure. Thanks to his skill and care, I was walking in two days and discharged within a week. I’ve now resumed my normal life and feel stronger every day.”

How Effective is Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer?

The effectiveness of surgery in treating pancreatic cancer varies based on several factors:

a) Stage of Cancer:

• Localised Cancer: Surgery is most effective when the cancer is confined to the pancreas and does not spread to adjacent structures or distant organs.
• Advanced Cancer: When cancer spreads beyond the pancreas, surgical options become limited, and other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended.

b) Respectability:

Resectable tumours are those that can be removed entirely by surgery. Surgery offers better outcomes for resectable tumours.

Borderline Resectable/Unresectable Tumours: Sometimes, the tumour may be partially resectable or challenging to remove, affecting surgical effectiveness.

c) Patient’s Overall Health:

The patient’s overall health and tolerance for surgery and subsequent treatments significantly influence the effectiveness of surgical intervention.

d) Advancements in Surgery:

Advancements in surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, have improved outcomes for selected patients with pancreatic cancer. These approaches reduce complications, shorten recovery times, and sometimes enable surgeons to perform more precise operations, enhancing the effectiveness of surgery.

Dr. Deep Goel states, “Surgery proves highly effective in certain cases. For pancreatic cancer, its success hinges on several factors, such as tumour size and stage. In early stages or localised tumours, it offers promising outcomes. However, with more advanced or aggressive cancers, surgery alone might not be sufficient. Complementary treatments alongside surgery often enhance overall effectiveness for improved patient outcomes.”

A patient of Dr. Deep shares, “I had lost hope after being told my tumour was inoperable. Dr. Goel and his team re-evaluated my scans and recommended a combination of chemo followed by surgery. It worked! After my distal pancreatectomy, my recovery was smooth. I’m now cancer-free and grateful for the personalised attention I received.”

Life After Pancreatic Cancer Surgery 

Many patients experience changes in digestion or blood sugar regulation after surgery. With medical guidance:

• Enzyme replacement supports digestion
• Blood sugar levels are monitored and managed
• Most patients resume daily activities gradually

Cost of Pancreatic Cancer Surgery in Delhi

The approximate cost of pancreatic cancer surgery in Delhi ranges between:

• ₹3,50,000 to ₹7,00,000
• USD 4,200 to USD 8,400 (approx.)

Costs vary based on:

• Type of surgery
• Hospital stay duration
• Post-operative care and additional treatments

Conclusion

Surgery plays a crucial role in treating pancreatic cancer, particularly in localised cases. Global statistics emphasise the significance of effective surgical interventions in improving patient outcomes. However, the effectiveness of surgery depends heavily on multiple factors, such as cancer stage, resectability, and patient health. As advancements continue, interdisciplinary approaches integrating surgery with other treatments aim to enhance survival rates and overall quality of life for those affected by this challenging disease.