Pancreatic Islet Cell Cancer Treatment in Turkey
About Pancreatic Islet Cell Cancer
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pancreatic islet cell 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 islet cell 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 islet cell 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.