About Gastrinoma
Key Highlights
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Offers the only potential for a complete cure in cases of localized gastrinoma.Provides definitive control of debilitating symptoms like severe ulcers and diarrhea.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in complex abdominal and neuroendocrine tumors.Utilizes precise, targeted techniques to remove the tumor while preserving surrounding healthy organs.Can prevent or delay the progression of the disease and its potential complications.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of a localized, resectable gastrinoma (sporadic or associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 - MEN1).
- Severe symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (e.g., peptic ulcers, diarrhea, abdominal pain) not adequately controlled by medication.
- Tumor growth or evidence of malignancy on imaging studies (CT, MRI, Ga-68 DOTATATE PET scan).
- To prevent life-threatening complications such as bleeding, perforation, or obstruction from ulcers.
- For select cases of metastatic disease, to debulk the tumor and alleviate hormone-related symptoms.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including blood tests (gastrin levels, secretin stimulation test), endoscopy, and advanced imaging (CT/MRI, DOTATATE PET).
- Pre-operative management of acid hypersecretion with high-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to heal ulcers.
- Nutritional assessment and optimization, as patients may have malabsorption or weight loss.
- Evaluation by an endocrinologist and anesthesiologist to assess overall fitness for surgery.
- Discussion of the surgical plan, potential risks, and expected outcomes with the surgical oncology team.
- Fasting as instructed, typically 8-12 hours before the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Injury to nearby structures like the pancreas (leading to pancreatitis or fistula), bile duct, intestines, or major blood vessels.
- Development of new peptic ulcers if tumor removal is incomplete.
- Pancreatic insufficiency (leading to diabetes or digestive enzyme deficiency) if a significant portion of the pancreas is removed.
- Recurrence of the tumor, especially in cases associated with MEN1 syndrome.
- Digestive issues such as diarrhea or dumping syndrome post-surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring pain, vital signs, and surgical site healing.
- Gradual reintroduction of liquids and then solid foods as bowel function returns.
- Continued acid-suppressing medication (PPIs) as advised, which may be tapered based on post-op gastrin levels.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Restricted physical activity (no heavy lifting) for several weeks to allow internal healing.
- Regular follow-up appointments for blood tests (gastrin levels) and imaging to monitor for recurrence.
- Long-term follow-up with both the surgical oncologist and an endocrinologist is essential.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering gastrinoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform gastrinoma. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for gastrinoma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 5-10 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full recovery | Know More |
Vikram Khan, a 48-year-old restaurant owner,...
Vikram Khan, a 48-year-old restaurant owner, had been battling mysterious abdominal pain and severe, recurrent peptic ulcers for nearly two years. Despite medication, he suffered from chronic diarrhea and heartburn so intense it disrupted his sleep and work. His primary care doctor, suspecting more than standard GERD, referred him to a gastroenterologist. Tests revealed dramatically elevated gastrin levels and a CT scan pinpointed a small tumor in his pancreas, a gastrinoma, also known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The surgical oncologist, Dr. Chen, recommended a laparoscopic Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) to remove the tumor, explaining it was the best chance for a cure and to prevent the cancer from spreading. Vikram was terrified; his father had died from pancreatic cancer. The surgery was complex but successful. His recovery in the hospital was challenging, with careful management of his new digestive anatomy. Six months later, his gastrin levels are normal, his ulcers have healed, and he can enjoy food without pain. Emotionally, he moved from a state of constant anxiety and frustration, feeling betrayed by his own body, to profound relief and cautious optimism. He's back at his restaurant part-time, grateful for a second chance.
Surgical Oncologists for Gastrinoma
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform gastrinoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore