We’re here to walk you through what this procedure involves, why it’s done, and what recovery really looks like. You’ll leave this page knowing what to expect, what to ask your surgeon, and how to feel confident in your care.
What is a distal pancreatectomy?
A distal pancreatectomy is a surgery that removes the body and tail of the pancreas. Sometimes it also includes part of the spleen, depending on your diagnosis. It’s commonly used to treat pancreatic cancer, benign tumors, chronic pancreatitis, or cysts in the pancreas that don’t go away on their own.
In plain terms? Your surgeon removes the part of the pancreas that’s not doing you any favors anymore.
This surgery can be done in different ways:
- Open surgery, which uses a single larger incision.
- Minimally invasive surgery, like laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery, which uses small incisions and tiny surgical tools guided by cameras and, in some cases, robotic hand controls.
At top medical centers, robotic and laparoscopic approaches are often preferred for certain cases. Why? They typically mean less blood loss, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery time.
Why would someone need a distal pancreatectomy?
This surgery isn’t done on a whim. It’s typically recommended for one of a few reasons:
- Pancreatic cancer in the body or tail of the pancreas
- Chronic pancreatitis that hasn’t improved with treatment
- Cysts or tumors that may become cancerous
- Injury to the pancreas
It may also be part of a larger treatment plan that includes removing the spleen, parts of the stomach and bile duct, or checking nearby lymph nodes to see if cancer has spread.
How the procedure works
The goal of this surgery is simple: remove the damaged part of the pancreas and any nearby structures that could be affected, while keeping the rest of your digestive system working properly.
Here’s what usually happens:
- You’ll be under general anesthesia during the operation.
- Your surgeon makes one or more small incisions to access the pancreas.
- Using precision surgical tools, the surgeon removes the body and tail of the pancreas, and sometimes the spleen.
- In some cases, a small tube (called a drain) is placed near the surgical site to help collect fluid while you heal.
- The surgery usually takes a few hours, and then you’re moved to a hospital room for recovery.
Depending on your diagnosis, your care team may also examine nearby lymph nodes, the pancreatic duct, or parts of the bile duct to check for signs of spread or blockage.
What happens after surgery?
Recovery from a distal pancreatectomy can vary depending on how the surgery was performed and your overall health.
You’ll likely stay in the hospital for a few days to a week. Here’s what to expect during that time:
- Monitoring for possible risks, like infection, delayed gastric emptying, or bleeding
- Pain management with medications, sometimes through an epidural space or foley catheter
- IV fluids and, eventually, soft or solid foods as your digestive system adjusts
- Help from your healthcare team to get up, move around, and avoid complications
Once home, it may take a few weeks to get back to your normal activities. You’ll have follow-up appointments to check on healing and discuss any test results.
What will change after the surgery?
The pancreas helps you digest food and manage blood sugar. So what happens when you lose part of it?
For many patients, not much changes. The remaining pancreas usually takes over, and life goes on as usual. But some people might need to:
- Take digestive enzymes to help break down food
- Monitor blood sugar more closely
- Adjust diet slightly to manage weight loss or low energy
Your care team will help you figure out what your body needs after surgery.
Distal pancreatectomy vs. other pancreas surgeries
There are several types of pancreas surgery, and they each serve a different purpose.
- Whipple procedure: Removes the head of the pancreas, parts of the small intestine, bile duct, and stomach. It’s often done for tumors near the top of the pancreas.
- Total pancreatectomy: Removes the entire pancreas, sometimes along with the spleen, bile duct, and parts of the stomach and small intestine.
- Central pancreatectomy: Removes a section from the middle of the pancreas, preserving both ends when possible.
If your issue is in the body and tail, a distal pancreatectomy is the go-to.
Is it a difficult operation?
Babak (Bobby) Eghbalieh, MD, FACS
Yes. It’s a complex operation, and it’s not without certain complications. But in the hands of an experienced surgeon and a skilled healthcare provider, outcomes are often excellent.
One Harvard study found that complication rates dropped dramatically when pancreatic surgeries were done at high-volume medical centers. The takeaway? Where you go matters.
That’s exactly why so many patients choose SCMSC.
Dr. Babak (Bobby) Eghbalieh is one of the country’s leading surgeons in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, with more than 15,500 surgeries under his belt—including over 2,500 robotic procedures, more than any other general surgeon in the greater Los Angeles area. He leads the pancreas and liver surgery program at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center and serves as the Director of Surgical Oncology at SCMSC.
He’s nationally recognized as a robotic surgery expert and is one of just 20 U.S. surgeons designated a Da Vinci Surgical System “Robotic Surgery Epicenter.” Dr. Bobby trains other surgeons across the country in advanced robotic techniques. But what really sets him apart is his heart—for his patients, for their stories, and for treating complex cancers with thoughtful, personalized care.
He built the region’s first Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence, chairs the Cancer Committee at PHCMC, and leads the only pancreatic cancer support group in the San Fernando Valley.
People come to SCMSC not just for the expertise—but because they feel seen, heard, and supported.
How to Prepare
Your doctor will walk you through pre-op instructions. This might include:
- Medical tests to check your heart, lungs, and general health
- Reviewing your medical history and current medications
- Stopping certain medications or supplements ahead of time
- Getting your home ready for recovery
You’ll want to have support lined up for after surgery. It’s helpful to have someone around for rides, meals, and just keeping things running while you recover.
What’s the Prognosis?
That depends on why you’re having the surgery. For pancreatic cancer, it may be part of a longer journey with chemotherapy or other treatments. For chronic inflammation or cysts, it might be the thing that finally brings relief.
There’s an old saying: “Sometimes the body must lose a part to save the whole.” That’s especially true in pancreatic surgery.
When to Call Your Surgeon
After you’re home, reach out if you notice:
- Fever or chills
- Severe pain that isn’t getting better
- Drainage or swelling around the incision
- Trouble eating or digesting food
Your care team wants to know if something’s off.
Why choose SCMSC for your distal pancreatectomy
When you’re facing a major surgery, experience isn’t a luxury—it’s the baseline. Our surgical team performs hundreds of pancreas surgeries every year, including complex cases involving the common bile duct, blood vessels, or other organs.
Our minimally invasive approach—when appropriate—means less pain, faster recovery, and a better return to your everyday life.
Most importantly, we never forget you’re a person, not a procedure. We listen. We explain. And we’ll be with you every step of the way.
“The best doctor gives the least medicine.”
That means we operate only when it’s truly necessary. And when we do? We do it with skill, care, and a whole lot of heart.
Distal Pancreatectomy FAQs
How long does it take to recover from a distal pancreatectomy?
Will I need pancreatic enzymes after surgery?
Can the entire pancreas be removed during surgery?
What’s the difference between the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct?
Is robotic surgery always better than traditional open surgery?
Ready to talk?
If you’re looking for answers about your pancreas or want a second opinion on surgery, reach out. A real conversation with someone who knows what they’re doing can make all the difference. We’re here to help you move forward—with clarity, confidence, and the right plan.
Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with our Care Coordinator. 818-900-6480.
