Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Turkey
About Pancreatic Cancer
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 weeks for initial recovery; 6 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pancreatic cancer in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey 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 pancreatic cancer. 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 pancreatic cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
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.