Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India – Best Hospitals & Doctors

Learn about Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Pancreatic Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

Partner Hospitals

0 partner in India for this surgery

Specialist Doctors

4 Surgeons linked to this surgery

Treatment Cost

Approx INR 350 Thousand – 1.2 Million

About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer surgery, performed by a specialized surgical oncologist, is a complex procedure aimed at removing cancerous tumors from the pancreas. The most common operations are the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas, distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail, and total pancreatectomy. These are major abdominal surgeries that require significant expertise to navigate the pancreas's critical location near major blood vessels, the bile duct, and the intestines. The primary goal is complete tumor removal (R0 resection), which offers the best chance for long-term survival and potential cure, especially when the cancer is detected at an early, localized stage. The procedure is often combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy as part of a multimodal treatment plan.

Key Highlights

Curative Potential: Offers the only potential for cure, especially for localized pancreatic cancer.Improved Survival: Significantly increases long-term survival rates compared to non-surgical treatments alone.Symptom Relief: Can alleviate symptoms like jaundice, pain, and digestive issues caused by the tumor.listrongExpert Precision:/strong Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with advanced training in complex cancer operations./lilistrongMultidisciplinary Approach:/strong Often part of a coordinated plan involving medical oncologists and radiation oncologists./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

Diagnosis of a resectable (removable) pancreatic adenocarcinoma or other tumor confined to the pancreas.
Tumors in the head, body, or tail of the pancreas that have not spread widely to major blood vessels or distant organs.
To relieve obstruction of the bile duct or duodenum caused by the tumor, alleviating jaundice and vomiting.
As part of a neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) therapy plan after chemotherapy/radiation has shrunk a borderline resectable tumor.
For certain neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) or cystic neoplasms with high-risk features.

How to prepare

Comprehensive Evaluation: Includes CT/MRI scans, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and often a biopsy to confirm diagnosis and stage.
Medical Optimization: Managing conditions like diabetes, malnutrition, and heart/lung issues to reduce surgical risk.
Nutritional Support: Possible dietary counseling or nutritional supplements to improve strength before surgery.
Pre-habilitation: May involve physical therapy or exercise programs to enhance recovery capacity.
Pre-operative Instructions: Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery, stopping certain medications (e.g., blood thinners), and bowel preparation.

Risks & possible complications

General Surgical Risks: Bleeding, infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Pancreas-Specific Complications: Pancreatic fistula (leakage of pancreatic fluid), delayed gastric emptying, and pancreatitis.
Digestive & Metabolic Changes: New-onset or worsened diabetes, malabsorption leading to weight loss and diarrhea (steatorrhea).
Bile Leak or Infection: Leakage from the surgical connection of the bile duct to the intestine.
Long-term Issues: Chronic abdominal pain, nutritional deficiencies requiring enzyme supplements, and incisional hernia.

Recovery & hospital stay

Hospital Stay: Initial recovery in the hospital with pain management, IV fluids, and gradual advancement to a liquid then soft diet.
Activity: Encouraged to walk soon after surgery to prevent complications; heavy lifting is restricted for 6-8 weeks.
Wound & Drain Care: Instructions on keeping the incision clean and managing any surgical drains.
Dietary Management: Working with a dietitian to manage potential diabetes and take pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals.
Follow-up Care: Regular check-ups to monitor recovery, manage side effects, and schedule adjuvant (post-surgery) chemotherapy.

Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; 6 months for full recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering pancreatic cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

＋ − Which hospitals are best for pancreatic cancer in India?

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.

＋ − How do I choose the right doctor for pancreatic cancer?

Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pancreatic cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.

＋ − What factors affect the cost of pancreatic cancer?

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.

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Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pancreatic cancer compare across other countries where we have data.

Country	Estimated cost range	Typical stay	Recovery time	View details
India	INR 350 Thousand – 1.2 Million	7-14 days	~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; 6 months for full recovery	Know More
Turkey	TRY 1.23 Million – 4.2 Million	7-14 days	~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; 6 months for full recovery	Know More

PATIENT REVIEW

Navya Reddy, a 58-year-old retired high...

Navya Reddy, a 58-year-old retired high school principal from Hyderabad, had always been active and health-conscious. For several months, she experienced a dull, persistent ache in her upper abdomen that radiated to her back, accompanied by unexplained weight loss and a loss of appetite she initially attributed to stress. When her skin and eyes developed a noticeable yellow tinge (jaundice), her family doctor ordered scans which revealed a mass in the head of her pancreas. A biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma. Her surgical oncologist, Dr. Sharma, recommended a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), explaining it was her best chance for a potential cure given the tumor's location and that it appeared localized. Navya was terrified, having lost a friend to pancreatic cancer. The complex, 8-hour surgery went smoothly. Her recovery in the hospital was challenging, involving managing pain, adjusting to new digestive patterns, and carefully monitoring her blood sugar. After three weeks, she was discharged. Six months post-op, with adjuvant chemotherapy completed, follow-up scans show no evidence of disease. Navya's emotional journey moved from profound fear and a sense of doom to cautious optimism. She now volunteers with a cancer support group, finding purpose in offering hope to others, though she acknowledges living with the anxiety of recurrence.