Pancreas Surgery in Turkey - Clinics, Doctors & Reviews

In Turkey, the focus of pancreatic treatment is on addressing diseases, tumors, and pancreatic cancer. Surgical methods, such as laparoscopic and robotic procedures, are employed to remove both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in the pancreas.

Opting for pancreas surgery in Turkey not only saves time but also offers significant cost savings, up to 75%. The country is known for providing high-quality medical services in pancreatic surgery, making it a practical and economical choice compared to other nations.

Discover the top clinics, best doctors, and various methods used in pancreatic surgery in Turkey through this article.

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas, found in the abdomen behind the stomach, is a vital organ for digestion and the endocrine system. It produces enzymes helping break down food in the small intestine. Also, it releases hormones like insulin and glucagon, controlling blood sugar levels and influencing metabolism.

Pancreatic diseases stem from the pancreas struggling with "insulin resistance," disrupting normal bodily functions and hindering its digestive role.

Common pancreatic diseases include:

1. Pancreatitis
2. Pancreatic cancer
3. Diabetes mellitus
4. Cystic fibrosis-related complications
5. Pancreatic pseudocyst
6. Pancreatic abscess
7. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
8. Pancreatic cysts
9. Autoimmune pancreatitis
10. Hereditary pancreatitis

These diseases are serious, often requiring surgical intervention for the most effective and rapid treatment. Pancreatic surgery, though technically intricate and challenging, is the primary approach.

Most pancreatic surgeries are major procedures. In developed countries, specialized surgical teams in well-equipped health centers handle these surgeries. Experienced teams can achieve high success rates even in difficult and complex cases.

Types of pancreatic diseases

Pancreatic diseases come in various forms, depending on their origin, duration, and symptoms. These include acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, hereditary pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer.

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a swiftly developing and severe pancreatic ailment. It arises when enzymes from the pancreas cannot reach the intestines, leading to blockages in the gallbladder ducts and the formation of gallstones.

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:

1. Sudden, intense abdominal pain in the lower rib arch where the pancreas is located
2. Abdominal pain radiating to the back and waist
3. Fever
4. Nausea and stomach ache

If not promptly treated, acute pancreatitis can progress to a chronic state. Urgent interventions are necessary to clear the pancreatic and bile ducts and eliminate obstructions.

Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own pancreatic tissues. This condition shares symptoms with acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as pancreatic cancer.

Clinical signs and symptoms of autoimmune pancreatitis include:

1. Severe abdominal pain
2. Obstructive jaundice
3. Enlargement of the pancreas's head
4. Elevated IgG4 levels
5. Autoantibody (ANA, RF) positivity
6. Possible bile duct stenosis

Treatment typically involves drug therapy, primarily using immunomodulators.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer occurs when harmful tumor cells develop in the pancreas due to factors such as genetic susceptibility, chronic pancreatic conditions, obesity, and smoking. These tumors originate from the pancreas' own tissues.

The onset of symptoms for pancreatic cancer varies based on the tumor's location within the organ.

Today, pancreatic cancer is a prevalent form of cancer. Factors like age, family history, type 2 diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a diet rich in animal products can contribute to its development.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms:

1. Upper abdomen and back pain
2. Loss of appetite
3. Nausea, vomiting, and unplanned weight loss
4. Abdominal bloating
5. Digestive issues, indigestion, vomiting
6. Gas pain
7. Changes in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation
8. Yellowing of the skin and eyes
9. Fatigue and weakness
10. Light-colored stools, dark-colored urine
11. Itching
12. Increased blood sugar or onset of diabetes
13. Formation of varicose veins due to vascular changes
14. Initial enlargement of the liver or gallbladder
15. Feelings of unhappiness and depression

The primary treatment for pancreatic cancer is surgery. Surgical methods include:

1. Distal pancreatectomy
2. Total pancreatectomy
3. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple surgery)
4. Pancreas transplant

Types of pancreatic surgeries

Pancreatic surgeries aim to address various conditions affecting the pancreas. The Whipple pancreas surgery is currently the preferred option. However, when the pancreas is extensively damaged, alternative surgeries, such as pancreas transplantation, may be considered.

Distal pancreatectomy

One specific type of surgery is distal pancreatectomy, focusing on removing the tail and sometimes the tail-body part of the pancreas. Typically used to treat tumors, this surgery becomes necessary when tumors are present in the stomach and large intestine area. In cases of cancer, the spleen is often removed alongside the affected pancreatic part due to the close connection of blood vessels between them, impacted by pancreatic cancer.

In Turkey, distal pancreatectomy is conducted using laparoscopic or robotic methods, providing effective and precise surgical solutions.

Total pancreatectomy

A complete pancreatectomy removes the entire pancreas, along with the gallbladder, stomach, part of the small intestine, and the spleen. This procedure is necessary when cancer has spread all over the pancreas.

The surgery is recommended if the tumor has extended throughout the entire pancreas or if connecting the pancreas and intestine with stitches isn't feasible due to technical constraints.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple surgery)

Whipple surgery, also known as "pancreaticoduodenectomy," is a detailed operation to remove the head of the pancreas, the initial part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder, and the bile duct.

Conditions treated with Whipple surgery include:

1. Treating tumors and other disorders in the pancreas, intestines, and bile duct.
2. Addressing pancreatic head cancer, where it's the most commonly used surgical technique.
3. Acting as a treatment to prevent cancer from spreading to other organs.

Approximately 15% to 20% of patients with pancreatic cancer are eligible for Whipple surgery initially, with an additional 15% becoming suitable after chemotherapy. Given its complexity, this surgery should be conducted by an experienced surgeon and center due to associated serious risks.

Pancreas transplant

When the pancreas is no longer working properly and leads to type 1 diabetes, pancreas transplantation becomes a viable option.

However, this procedure comes with notable side effects. It is typically recommended for individuals facing severe diabetes-related complications. For those without diabetes-related issues, insulin therapy serves as an alternative to pancreas transplantation.

In certain cases, pancreas transplantation is considered for patients dealing with pancreatic cancer, biliary tract cancer, and other cancer types.

For individuals with significant kidney damage from diabetes, pancreas transplantation may be conducted concurrently with kidney transplantation to address both issues.

Other treatment methods for pancreatic diseases

Pancreatic diseases vary in severity, and surgery may not always be necessary. Yet, when the pancreas faces significant damage, such as in cases of pancreatic cancer, surgery becomes a potential option.

Treatment approaches for pancreas issues include medication, fluids, oxygen, vitamins, minerals, digestive enzyme supplements, specialized diets, and lifestyle adjustments.

Best clinics for pancreas surgery in Turkey

Pancreas surgery demands precision and expertise. Opting for this surgery in top clinics, led by skilled surgeons, is crucial for optimal outcomes. To ensure success in pancreatic surgery, select doctors and clinics with a proven track record.

In Turkey, pancreas surgery boasts an impressive success rate of over 93%. Explore JCI-accredited clinics in Turkey, renowned for their advanced medical services, patient satisfaction, and cutting-edge technology.

Benefits of choosing Turkey for pancreas surgery include:

1. Treatment by highly skilled doctors
2. Access to the highest quality medical services
3. Exceptional patient care
4. Significant cost savings compared to local or international alternatives, without compromising medical quality
5. Option for robotic or laparoscopic surgery, ensuring higher success rates and faster recovery.

The best clinics you can choose for pancreas surgery in Turkey:

1. American Hospital
2. Florence Nightingale Hospital
3. Memorial Clinic

Get pancreas surgery in Turkey with A-Medical health tourism, led by Prof. Dr. Orhan Bilge at the American Hospital. Known for the best success rates in pancreatic surgery, Prof. Dr. Bilge is the top choice for our patients.

Why choose A-Medical?

At A-Medical, we help international patients Pancreas Treatment in Turkey in an affordable, high-quality, and easy way. We help you with everything from informing you about Pancreas Surgery in Turkey to managing your treatment process from scratch.

As A-Medical medical tourism company, we offer you the following advantages during your treatment abroad:

1. Choosing the most suitable clinic for you
2. Making your travel plan
3. Obtaining the procedure at discounted prices
4. Sending your medical documents to the clinic abroad with their translation
5. Arranging a doctor's appointment (video conferencing if necessary)
6. Support regarding tickets and visas
7. Translator support
8. Transfer support
9. Establishing communication
10. Service to benefit from campaigns and discounts