What is distal pancreatectomy?
ANSWER
Distal pancreatectomy is a procedure in which the tail and/or portion of the body of the pancreas are removed, but not the head. This surgery is uncommon for pancreatic cancer, because most tumors arising outside the head of the pancreas within the body or tail are unresectable.
Reviewed by Michael Dansinger on January 26, 2020
SOURCES:
American Cancer Society: "Detailed Guide: Pancreatic Cancer."
National Cancer Institute: "Pancreatic Cancer."
Gunturu, KS. Med Oncol, March 2013.
SOURCES:
American Cancer Society: "Detailed Guide: Pancreatic Cancer."
National Cancer Institute: "Pancreatic Cancer."
Gunturu, KS. Med Oncol, March 2013.
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