What is the Pancreas?
Located behind the stomach deep within the abdomen, the pancreas is a large gland which has both digestive (exocrine pancreas) and hormonal (endocrine pancreas) functions. During digestion, the pancreas secretes enzymes into the top section of the small intestine to aid in breaking down nutrients from food so they can be used in the body. The pancreas also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon which are involved in sugar regulation throughout the body.
Pancreatic Surgery
Pancreatic disorders that may require surgery generally result from tumors (benign or malignant) and inflammation. Most pancreatic surgery involves removal or resection of the pancreas that is diseased.
Pancreatic tumors may cause local problems as a result of swelling or system wide problems because of overproduction of the hormones produced in the pancreas.
Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy
Where possible, the surgeons at Surgical Consultants of Hollywood will use advanced laparoscopic surgery to remove parts of the pancreas affected by benign or malignant tumors.