Total Pancreatectomy

• Total pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer is usually not recommended as the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas are totally lost which result in severe metabolic disturbances.
• Total pancreatectomy may prevent pancreatic fistulas and provide a radical eradication of the tumor.
• The median survival rates are reported to be shorter after total pancreatectomy than after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
• Total pancreatectomy is considered in a few selected patients, e.g. patients with positive resection margins in frozen sections (e.g. IPMN) or tumors not resectable with partial pancreactectomy.
• If total pancreatectomy is opted, retaining the pylorus improves the post surgical outcome.