Learn about Pancreatic Islet Cell 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 Islet Cell Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Pancreatic Islet Cell Cancer

Pancreatic islet cell cancer surgery is a specialized procedure performed by a surgical oncologist to remove neuroendocrine tumors originating from the islet cells of the pancreas. These tumors, which can be functional (hormone-secreting) or non-functional, require precise surgical intervention to achieve a cure or control symptoms. The specific operation depends on the tumor's size, location, and type, ranging from local enucleation to more extensive procedures like distal pancreatectomy or the complex Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy). This surgery aims to completely resect the tumor, alleviate hormonal syndromes, prevent metastasis, and improve long-term survival, often as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan.

Key Highlights

    Curative intent for localized tumors, offering the best chance for long-term survival.Alleviation of debilitating hormonal symptoms in functional tumors (e.g., insulinomas, gastrinomas).Precise, organ-preserving techniques possible for small, well-defined tumors.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in complex pancreatic surgery.Integral part of a multidisciplinary approach, often combined with other therapies.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of a resectable pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) or islet cell carcinoma.
  • Functional tumors causing syndromes like hypoglycemia (insulinoma), severe peptic ulcers (gastrinoma), or other hormone-related symptoms.
  • Localized disease without evidence of widespread, unresectable metastasis.
  • Tumor growth or symptoms not controlled by medication or other non-surgical therapies.
  • Prevention of potential complications like biliary obstruction or tumor bleeding.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive preoperative staging with CT, MRI, and/or specialized scans (Ga-68 DOTATATE PET).
  • Blood tests to assess hormone levels, liver and kidney function, and nutritional status.
  • Management of hormonal syndromes with medication (e.g., octreotide) prior to surgery.
  • Nutritional assessment and possible supplementation, as pancreatic patients are often malnourished.
  • Pre-anesthetic check-up, discussion of anesthesia, and cessation of blood-thinning medications as advised.
  • Bowel preparation may be required for certain procedures.

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots, and anesthesia-related complications.
  • Pancreas-specific risks: pancreatic fistula (leakage of pancreatic fluid), pancreatitis, and diabetes.
  • Digestive issues: delayed gastric emptying, diarrhea, or malabsorption.
  • Injury to nearby structures like the bile duct, intestines, or major blood vessels.
  • Long-term risk of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, requiring enzyme supplementation.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and gradual resumption of oral intake.
  • Drains may be placed near the surgical site to remove fluid and are monitored closely.
  • Blood sugar levels are carefully watched, especially if a significant portion of the pancreas is removed.
  • Discharge with instructions on wound care, activity restrictions (no heavy lifting), and a gradual diet plan.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor recovery, manage any long-term hormone replacement or enzyme needs, and schedule surveillance scans.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Procedure cost in other countries

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

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 3,807 – USD 13,052 7-14 days ~ 4-8 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 28,184 – USD 96,630 7-14 days ~ 4-8 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Pancreatic Islet Cell Cancer in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical oncology teams and experience managing patients undergoing pancreatic islet cell cancer.

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

As a young professional with a...

As a young professional with a hectic schedule, Dr. Acharya’s team accommodated my follow-ups efficiently without ever making me feel rushed. His balance of expertise and empathy is rare in surgical fields.

Surgical Oncologists for Pancreatic Islet Cell Cancer

Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform pancreatic islet cell cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated