The pancreas is a flat, oblong gland located between the stomach and the spine. Part of the pancreas lies behind the stomach and near the spleen. The other part of the pancreas lies in the small intestine. The pancreas secretes hormones, including insulin, and also secretes enzymes that help with digestion. Pancreatic tumors and inflammation may require surgery. Most pancreatic surgeries involve removal of the affected portion of the pancreas. Recovery from pancreatic surgery often requires temporary dietary changes to manage problems that might occur in the first few weeks after surgery. Some patients require permanent dietary changes after pancreatic surgery.
Pancreas Surgery
Pancreatic resection, which is removal of a portion of the pancreas, takes about four to six hours. Most pancreatic resections are bloodless surgeries, performed without blood transfusion. You will likely remain in the hospital after surgery for about one week and require about six weeks for full recuperation. The Whipple operation removes the head of the pancreas. The removal of pancreatic tissue affects the amount of insulin the pancreas secretes and also affects the secretion of digestive enzymes. The loss of some insulin may worsen current diabetes or place you at risk for developing diabetes. Total removal of the pancreas, a procedure known as pancreatectomy, is rarely performed.
Post-Operative Diet
You might experience temporary digestion problems for two to four weeks after pancreas surgery. You may experience stomach cramps and loss of appetite. Slow emptying of the stomach or gastroparesis, after eating can cause nausea and vomiting. Constipation is a common post-operative complaint. Get your doctor's approval to drink prune juice or to take a mild laxative. Avoid foods that are greasy or that are high in fat. Eat four or five small meals a day and add several servings of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Try to eat enough calories to prevent weight loss. Eat your favorite meals in small portions until your appetite returns. A variety of foods that provide the nutrients your body needs will help with healing.
Dietary Changes
Your tastes may change after surgery and last for a long time. If you continue to experience loss of appetite and strange tastes, continue to use spices and strong flavors to help increase the amount of food you eat. Use the food pyramid to help with your permanent diet and to make sure you are eating the recommended daily servings from each food group. Eat several balanced meals a day and add nutritional snacks, juices, fruits and vegetables. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Add high-fiber foods, such as grains and beans. Maintain a low-fat diet and avoid refined sugar.
Special Considerations
If you have diabetes, or if you are at risk for developing diabetes, you might need help with developing a diet plan that prevents low and high blood sugar levels. You might require adjustments to diabetes medications if you are unable to eat enough food. Plastic utensils help some patients decrease the metallic taste many report after pancreatic surgery. Tart flavors, such as pickles or lemons, can counteract the loss of taste for some people. Contact your doctor if constipation, gastroparesis or other post-surgical problems remain. A dietitian or nutritionist can help you design a diet and meal plan that meets your post-surgery needs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: The Pancreas
- University of Southern California: Pancreatic Surgery
- University of Virginia Health System; Whipple Procedure -- Nutritional Concerns; May 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Pancreatic Cancer -- Total Pancreatectomy
- St. Joseph Medical Center: Post-Operative Instructions for Pancreatic Surgery
- Johns Hopkins University: Post-Surgery Diet Tips
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