Surgical options

Our surgeons and surgical oncologists have significant experience in performing difficult and complex procedures for pancreatic cancer.

Surgical options available to pancreatic cancer patients at City of Hope include the following.

Laparoscopic resection

During this operation, cancerous tissue from the pancreas is removed through a minimally invasive procedure.

Distal (partial) pancreatectomies

During this operation, the body and tail of the pancreas are removed. The head of the organ remains attached.

Total pancreatectomies

The entire pancreas is removed during this procedure.

Palliative procedures

If surgery to remove the entire tumor is not possible, or you experience biliary obstruction or other complications, our doctors may perform palliative procedures. Palliative surgery may help you experience a better quality of life, prevent treatment interruptions and reduce liver damage.

Robotic surgery (da Vinci^® surgical system)

The da Vinci surgical system offers a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery and laparoscopy. This surgery is performed through a few tiny incisions, and may enable you to move on to additional treatments and return to normal activities faster. It also gives your surgeon improved vision, precision and control when removing difficult-to-reach tumors.

Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy)

This surgery is performed to remove cancer in the head of your pancreas or in the bile ducts. In the procedure, a surgical oncologist removes the cancerous tissue, resects a portion of your pancreas, bile duct, small intestine and stomach, and performs immediate reconstruction. Although it is a common pancreatic cancer treatment, the Whipple procedure requires precise surgical skill. Our surgical oncologists have extensive experience in performing Whipple procedures.