PANCREATIC PROCEDURES
PANCREATIC SURGERY – AN OVERVIEW
Surgical diseases of the pancreas are rare and often require a multi-disciplinary team approach when treated. Both cancerous and non-cancerous diseases are encountered.
The only possible cure for cancerous diseases of the pancreas is surgical removal. Both laparoscopic and open surgery are offered on individual merit.
Potential risks: Cancerous diseases of the pancreas often present with jaundice, weight loss and abdominal pain radiating to the back. New diagnosis with diabetes may also be a common presenting indicator. Surgery of the pancreas is complex and complications are common. It is known that patient outcomes are better in high-volume centres.
Non-cancerous diseases of the pancreas do not always need surgical treatment. For these cases, we have a multi-disciplinary approach that will often include observation on a regular basis.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Dr van Beljon provides individualised care for all his patients. This means that he chooses the best treatment for each patient based on their specific symptoms and physiology. He will chat to you about your condition and treatment options in more detail during the initial consultation.
Should you wish to get a general overview of your condition, the Mayo Clinic provides easy to identify patient resources. Dr van Beljon has identified some of the Mayo Clinic’s resources below:
What do I need to bring with me to my first consultation?
- Your ID / passport
- Your medical aid / insurance card
- List of chronic medication and the dosage
- List of previous surgeries
- Summary of medical complaints
- A referral letter if you have been referred by another healthcare professional
- R500 CASH as a co-payment for consulting a specialist.
Please ensure that you have all of the above available to ensure a smooth and productive consultation.
What instructions should I follow after I have had a surgical procedure?
This may differ from case to case but this is a general guide:
- Make sure you ask all your questions during / before discharge
- Make sure you ask for a sick letter before discharge
- Wound dressings are usually to be removed 2 days after discharge and should be left open. Normal shower/ bathing can then be resumed
- Discharged patients may resume a normal diet
- Make a follow-up appointment by contacting the practice on 012 548 7271.
GALLBLADDER SURGERY
Gallbladder surgery is quite often performed for gallstones and other pathologies like gallbladder cancer.
LIVER SURGERY
Surgical disease of the liver is rare, but when portions need be removed, the liver is able to regenerate itself.