Monday, June 6, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Surgery approved by insurance
"pancreatectomy, proximal sub w/duodenectomy,w/pancreaticojejunostomy" was on the Blue Shield surgery approval letter under service provided area. I got it yesterday through. What exactly they will do on me?
| 3. Pancreaticojejunostomy is a surgical procedure where the pancreatic duct, which permits drainage of digestive juices (pancreatic enzymes) from the pancreas, is opened and reconnected to the small intestine (jejunum). Pancreaticojejunostomy is most often used as a treatment for individuals with an inflamed pancreas (chronic pancreatitis) and its accompanying pain. Chronic pancreatitis often causes the common bile duct and/or the pancreatic duct to become obstructed by mineral deposits (calculi), resulting in ongoing and severe pain. In the US, the most common risk factor for chronic pancreatitis is alcoholism. Other causes may include a hereditary predisposition and obstruction of the pancreatic duct resulting from duct narrowing or pancreatic cancer. On rare occasions, an episode of severe acute pancreatitis makes the pancreatic duct so narrow that chronic pancreatitis results. In many cases, the cause of chronic pancreatitis is not known. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
Reason for Procedure
| Pancreaticojejunostomy is performed to improve drainage through the pancreatic duct and help relieve the pain of chronic pancreatitis. Other diseases that may be treated using pancreaticojejunostomy include pancreatic cancer, and obstruction of the pancreatic duct by cysts, traumatic injury, or foreign bodies (e.g., parasitic worms). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
How Procedure is Performed
| Pancreaticojejunostomy is a major surgical procedure requiring a hospital stay. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves making an incision across and through the upper abdominal wall (upper midline or transverse incision) to completely expose the pancreas and other abdominal organs (laparotomy). The pancreatic duct is exposed and opened lengthwise and the small intestine (jejunum) is cut into two sections. The pancreas with its opened duct is then inserted and stitched into the lower section of the jejunum. The upper section of the jejunum is reattached to its lower section (anastomosis) at a point below the pancreas and the abdomen is then closed. A urinary catheter may be inserted to facilitate bladder elimination. Postoperative medications (opioid analgesics) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are administered at regular intervals to alleviate pain. Individual remains in the hospital an average 16 days until he or she is able to move (ambulate) on his or her own, diet returns to normal, and it is clear there are no other postoperative complications. Abdominal sutures are removed 2-3 weeks after surgery on an outpatient basis. |
Friday, April 29, 2011
Surgery to try to cure pancreatic cancer : Cancer Research UK : CancerHelp UK
Surgery to try to cure pancreatic cancer : Cancer Research UK : CancerHelp UK
Taking out the head of the pancreas is called pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). It involves removing
Part of your pancreas
Your duodenum (the first part of your small bowel)
Your gallbladder and part of your bile duct
The diagram below shows what your surgeon removes.
So after the surgery, the tail of the pancreas is joined to a bit of your small bowel. This diagram shows how the surgeon might repair what is left behind.
Taking out the head of the pancreas is called pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). It involves removing
Part of your pancreas
Your duodenum (the first part of your small bowel)
Your gallbladder and part of your bile duct
The diagram below shows what your surgeon removes.
So after the surgery, the tail of the pancreas is joined to a bit of your small bowel. This diagram shows how the surgeon might repair what is left behind.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis
Normally, most pancreatic digestive enzymes are produced and transported into the duodenum in an inactive form. While the exact mechanisms of pancreatitis are not well understood, it is thought that during pancreatitis attacks these enzymes are prevented or inhibited from reaching the duodenum, become activated while still in the pancreas, and begin to autodigest and destroy the pancreas.
Normally, most pancreatic digestive enzymes are produced and transported into the duodenum in an inactive form. While the exact mechanisms of pancreatitis are not well understood, it is thought that during pancreatitis attacks these enzymes are prevented or inhibited from reaching the duodenum, become activated while still in the pancreas, and begin to autodigest and destroy the pancreas.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Whipple Procedure & A Miracle - Cancer – CarePages Discussion Forums
Whipple Procedure & A Miracle - Cancer – CarePages Discussion Forums: "I hope this note gives you hope: both my mother and sister have gone through the Whipple. We have what’s called Familial Adenoma Polyposis, (which can lead to cancer, another story for another day) my mother at the Brigham in the early 90’s, my sister almost three years ago, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville. It is in the range normal to develop abscesses whenever a doc messes with the pancreas. My mother had a tiny malignant adenoma and severe pancreatitis prior to her surgery, she was in her late 60’s. She had many drains to allow abscesses to drain, her surgery was in late September she was in and out of the hospital through Dec. . .and then it ended. My sister went home with drains, her surgery was precipitated by what is called desmoid tumors, a non-malignant growth in the upper digestive system, a facet of FAP. Her recovery again was tricky due to drains and such, but she’s fine now. I’m dealing with rectal cancer as I write this. I will, most likely, in the next ten years have a Whipple. Hold this thought: it may suck now, but you don’t have cancer AND you will recover, slowly, be patient with your body, ask your family to be patient with you and your recovery. You will be out of pain in the next few months. You will return to your life."
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