Getting a pancreatic cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but surgery remains one of the most effective treatment options for eligible patients. If you are suitable for the surgery, understanding the procedures, risks, and what to expect can help ease some of your uncertainty.
Pancreatic cancer surgery is done to remove cancerous tissue from the pancreas and nearby structures. Because of the pancreas’s location and its close relationship with major blood vessels and organs, pancreas operations are technically demanding and require very specialised surgical expertise.
Surgery offers a high chance for long-term survival if the cancer is detected early and hasn’t spread extensively.
The type of surgery you may need depends on where the cancer is located within your pancreas. Here are the main options your doctor might consider:
This is the most common operation for tumours in the head of the pancreas. It involves removing:
After removal, the remaining organs are reconnected to restore the digestive tract.
This is a variation of the Whipple procedure. It spares the pylorus, the part of the stomach that helps regulate food flow into the small intestine. If the tumour allows for it, preserving the pylorus can help with digestion after surgery.
If the cancer is found in the body or tail of the pancreas, this operation may be recommended. It involves removing either the tail or the body and tail of the pancreas, and sometimes the spleen as well.
This is a more extensive version of the distal pancreatectomy and may involve removing a larger portion of the pancreas, often including the spleen. It’s used when more of the pancreas needs to be taken out to ensure all cancerous tissue is removed.
In rare cases, the entire pancreas may need to be removed, usually when the cancer affects the whole gland or when multiple tumours are present.
Surgery is usually considered when the tumour is resectable; meaning it hasn’t spread
far and can be removed safely. Your doctor may recommend surgery if:
Before your procedure, you’ll go through several tests and preparations, which may include:
Your care team will also guide you on:
The doctor performs the surgery under general anaesthesia and the procedure can last several hours. Depending on the complexity, they may perform the surgery through an open incision or a laparoscopic approach.
The surgeon will remove the affected part of the pancreas and any involved organs or lymph nodes, then reconnect your digestive system so it can function properly.
Recovery begins in the hospital, often in a high-dependency or intensive care unit for close monitoring. Most people stay for about 7 to 14 days for a Whipple operation, and about 5 to 7 days for a Distal Pancreatectomy operation.
During your stay, you’ll:
Complete recovery may take several weeks to months, and the doctor may arrange for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Several factors may increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer:
While you can’t control every risk factor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups can support early detection.
The cost of surgery in Singapore depends on the type of procedure performed and whether it is subsidised.
According to the Ministry of Health’s historical transacted bill sizes and fee benchmarks, surgeons’ fees typically range from S$22,400 to S$33,600 (excluding GST)
Surgeons’ fees usually fall between S$13,080 to S$19,620 (excluding GST).
These figures reflect only the surgical fees. The final hospital bill will also depend on:
Both procedures are Medisave-claimable, helping you cover part of the cost. Additional support may be available through your integrated shield plan or private insurance. For a cost estimate tailored to your situation, speak with your hospital’s financial counsellor or care team.
You may be eligible if imaging shows the tumour is localised and surgically removable and your overall health allows you to undergo a major operation.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, leakage from reconnected intestines, and delayed gastric emptying. Your team will monitor these and manage them promptly.
In the first few months, especially following a Whipple operation, you will find that your appetite is not like before. Try to take small but frequent meals. The appetite will slowly return to normal in a few weeks to a few months.
Usually the remaining pancreas can produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar level, though there is a small risk of needing diabetic medication. However, if the entire pancreas is removed (as in a Total Pancreatectomy), then this person will require insulin injection for life.
You’ll start with IV fluids, gradually resume eating, and work with physiotherapists to regain strength. Most stays typically last between 1 and 2 weeks.
Pancreatic cancer surgery has a 5-year survival rate of 10% to 25%. Success depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:
You’ll typically undergo scans and blood tests every 3–6 months during the first two years, then yearly. Regular monitoring helps detect recurrence early.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it’s natural to feel anxious. Choosing the right treatment path can feel daunting, but you don’t have to make that decision alone.
At Nexus Surgical, we provide timely and personalized advice to ensure you are well-informed to make decisions based on your medical condition, overall health, and personal goals.
Colorectal & General Surgeon
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon
Nexus Surgical provides comprehensive financial services to ensure a seamless and pleasant experience.
Our clinics will be closed from 16 – 18 Feb for CNY
Our clinic at Mt Alvernia Medical Centre A will be relocating from #06-05 to #03-03 (within the same building) on Friday, 26 Sep afternoon.
Our telephone line 6353 4855 will be temporarily unavailable from 12:00pm – 6:00pm on 26 September. During this period, you may reach out to our other clinics for assistance:
We will begin operations at our new premises (#03-03) from Tuesday, 30 Sep onwards.
We look forward to serving you at our new clinic!
Nexus Surgical clinics at Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Parkway East Medical Centre and Mt Alvernia Medical Centre will be closed on 28 January 2025 for Lunar New Year celebrations, while our clinic at Mt Elizabeth Orchard Medical Centre remains open from 0900-1300 hours on 28 January 2025.
Please leave a message in our voice mails and we will respond to you as soon as we can when we resume our clinics on 31 January 2025. If you require any urgent assistance, kindly go to the Urgent Care Centre of any hospitals or contact your doctor through the Emergency Answering Service. Our team at Nexus Surgical would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year with good health in the Year of the Snake!
Nexus Surgical will be away from 17 to 20 October 2024 for our Annual Company Retreat. The aim of our retreat is to review and to recharge, so that we may serve you better.
Our clinics at Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Mount Alvernia and Parkway East hospitals will therefore be closed during this period. In the meantime, if you require any urgent assistance, kindly contact us through our Answering Service at +65 6333 5550.
We thank you for your understanding and patience for any inconvenience.
