Surgery remains the best treatment option for pancreatic cancer, offering the highest survival rates. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of people diagnosed with this disease are considered candidates for surgical treatment, as the tumor is often revealed too late. If surgery is an option for you, it’s excellent news: although you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, the tumor has been detected at an operable stage, which means you may have many years of quality life ahead. The key is ensuring the surgery is successful. The best thing you can do is choose a good clinic abroad where you can undergo this complex surgical procedure with a positive outcome. In this article, we’ll discuss what factors influence the cost of pancreatic cancer surgery and how to choose a clinic for treating this condition.
Specifics of Surgical Treatment
The Whipple procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, is the primary surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer, particularly for tumors located in the head of the pancreas. This intricate surgery is one of the most complex abdominal operations, often lasting 5 to 7 hours or even longer, depending on the specific case and any complications that may arise.
The procedure’s complexity stems from the pancreas’s central location at the “crossroads” of the digestive system. This area is a hub where multiple vital structures converge: the stomach, the initial part of the small intestine (duodenum), liver, bile ducts, and the pancreas itself with its intricate network of ducts. The dense concentration of blood vessels, including major arteries and veins, further complicates the surgery.
Surgeons need to not only remove the tumor but also maintain digestive function, ensure the continuity of the digestive tract, and secure the flow of bile and pancreatic secretions into the small intestine. Therefore, in addition to tumor removal, a reconstructive stage of the operation is required. In most cases, the surgery is performed through an open incision. Very rarely, only in specialized centers with extensive experience, can the surgical intervention be performed laparoscopically.
Other, less frequently used treatment options, besides the Whipple procedure, may include:
- Distal pancreatectomy – removal of the tail of the pancreas along with the spleen
- Total pancreatectomy – removal of the entire pancreas
The type of surgery is determined by the location, type, and size of the tumor.
The surgical interventions listed above are considered radical: potentially curative or at least significantly increasing life expectancy. There are also palliative surgeries. These are simpler and cost less. Such operations aim to improve quality of life, prevent and eliminate complications. Surgical treatment for unresectable tumors helps alleviate pain, jaundice, and restore digestive tract patency.
Factors Affecting Surgery Costs
Your expenses depend on the following factors:
- Which operation will be performed
- Whether it’s done through open surgery or laparoscopically
- If robotic surgery is used
- In which country and clinic you receive treatment
- Which doctor performs the surgery
Additional costs may be incurred in case of complications, but if you make your appointment through Booking Health, you’re protected from such risks because you receive insurance that covers the costs of all additional procedures.
When planning cancer treatment, also consider that you may need other interventions besides surgery, such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy (destroying the tumor with radiation)
- Targeted and/or immunotherapy
- Intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Pancreatic cancer is a severe oncological disease, but gradually doctors are learning to cope with it, and treatment results are improving. Well-performed surgeries provide good patient survival rates. To choose a clinic where you’ll receive help from the world’s best surgeons, visit the Booking Health website. Here you can find leading medical centers, learn about prices for various procedures, compare the cost of services in different clinics, and get assistance in choosing a medical center. Our team will consult you on all questions, book convenient dates, and help organize your trip.
