Pancreatic Surgeries
Getting the best outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients depends on the experience of the pancreatic cancer surgeon. This is true for all treatment centers.
Dr. Babak Eghbalieh, at Southern California Multi-Specialty Center, is one of the top specialists in pancreatic surgery, including minimally-invasive robotic surgery, which uses cutting-edge technology to achieve optimal results.
He treats all types of pancreatic disease, including benign and malignant pancreatic cysts, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
He has performed the most robotic whipple procedure and robotic pancreas surgery in Los Angeles with over a decade of experience in robotic surgery.
Dr. Eghbalieh is the director of the only Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence designation by the National Pancreas Foundation in all of Los Angeles, and one of only three in California.
He also oversees the comprehensive Liver and Pancreas surgery program at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. As the director of this comprehensive program, Dr. Eghbalieh ensures a clear path for pancreatic cancer patients.
In collaboration with Dr. Ora Gordon, Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at Disney Family Cancer Center, Dr. Eghbalieh co-directs one of only two High Risk Pancreatic Cancer Screening Clinics in Los Angeles. This program follows patients at high risk for pancreatic cancer in a personalized surveillance program.
Pancreatic cancer is a life-long passion for Dr. Eghbalieh. He is very involved locally and nationally in the pursuit of finding a cure and offering his patients the best possible treatment options. In essence, Dr. Bobby has devoted his life to the pancreas cancer patient. This passion led Dr. Bobby to create and actively moderate one of only three dedicated pancreatic cancer patient support groups in all of Los Angeles. This group meets monthly via Zoom offering an extensive array of services and support to the pancreas cancer patient and their loved ones.
Join our Pancreatic Cancer Patient Support Group
We welcome all pancreatic cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones to join our monthly meetings. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with cancer for some time, you’ll find a community ready to support you.
Pancreatic Cancer Q & A
Your pancreas is located in your abdomen below the liver and behind the stomach.
What is pancreatic cancer?
The pancreas is located deep in your abdomen, behind the stomach, where it produces and releases enzymes needed to digest food. It also produces insulin and glucagon, which are hormones that control blood sugar.
Several different types of cancers can develop in the pancreas, depending on where the cancer originates. However, about 85% of patients develop an aggressive type called adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?
- Family history of pancreatic cancer
- Obesity
- High-fat diet
- Diabetes
- Long-term inflammation of the pancreas
- Cigarette smoking
- Long-term exposure to certain chemicals
What Are The Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?
In the early stage, a tumor in the pancreas may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows, it causes symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Dark urine and clay-colored stools
- Fatigue and weakness
- Diabetes
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or whites of eyes)
- Itchy skin
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the upper abdomen or mid back
.
How is Pancreatic Cancer Treated?
What Minimally-Invasive Surgery Does Dr. Eghbalieh Perform for Pancreatic Cancer?
In complex cases of pancreatic cancer and Whipple surgery, traditional open surgery may be required. However, Dr. Eghbalieh performs both types of surgery using minimally-invasive robotic surgery. Dr. Eghbalieh offers a robotic whipple procedure or robotic distal pancreatectomy to most of his patients.
During laparoscopic/robotic surgery, Dr. Eghbalieh makes only a few small incisions and uses advanced equipment to remove the cancer and reconnect the remaining tissues. This type of surgery has fewer complications and faster recovery time compared to open surgery.
Babak (Bobby) Eghbalieh, MD, FACS
What is Robot-Assisted Pancreatic Surgery Offered by Dr. Eghbalieh?
Advances in technology have resulted in cutting-edge, robot-assisted surgical systems, but these robotic systems are only as good as the surgeon operating the device. Dr. Eghbalieh has performed the most robotic general surgery in all of Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley. Every patient is evaluated for robotic pancreas surgery. Dr. Bobby has performed the most Robotic Whipple and Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy surgeries in Los Angeles, with over a decade of experience.
Robot-assisted surgery, which is also minimally invasive, gives Dr. Eghbalieh a three-dimensional view of the pancreas and provides superior steadiness during the procedure. As Dr. Eghbalieh manipulates the robotic arms, he has the advantage of their extreme mobility, which allows him to perform intricate maneuvers, reach tight areas, and thoroughly remove the cancer and surrounding tissues.
Patients who need treatment for pancreatic cancer can receive robot-assisted surgery performed by Dr. Eghbalieh.
If you have been diagnosed pancreatic cancer, contact our office to schedule an appointment, call 818-900-6480.
