Distal Pancreatectomy

A distal pancreatectomy is performed if a tumor is located within the body or tail portion of the pancreas.  The surgeon removes the body and tail of the pancreas and sometimes the spleen.  All other organs are left in place.

The most common complication from a distal pancreatectomy is leakage of pancreatic juices.  Other serious complications include bleeding and infection.

Images courtesy of Selwyn Vickers, MD, University of Minnesota

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