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Liver And Pancreatic Surgery

Desert West Surgery

General & Minimally Invasive Surgeons & Surgical Oncologists located in Las Vegas, NV

Liver disease, an inflamed pancreas, and benign or malignant tumors are a few of the top reasons you may need liver or pancreatic surgery. The doctors at Desert West Surgery have extensive experience performing minimally invasive, robotic, and open surgeries to treat medical conditions affecting the liver and pancreas. To learn about your treatment options, call one of the three offices in Las Vegas, Nevada, or book an appointment online.

Liver and Pancreatic Surgery Q & A

What are the different types of liver surgery?

There are two primary types of liver surgeries: a liver biopsy and a liver resection. A liver resection, or hepatectomy, consists of removing damaged parts of the liver. In many cases, liver resections are done to remove benign and malignant tumors.

Your surgeon performs a biopsy to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and to evaluate the degree of liver damage. The doctors at Desert West Surgery perform three types of liver biopsies:

Percutaneous biopsy

The most common type of liver biopsy, this procedure involves inserting a long, hollow needle through the abdomen and into the liver in order to draw a tissue sample into the needle.

Transvenous biopsy

Your doctor at Desert West Surgery guides a narrow tube through your jugular vein to the hepatic vein in your liver. After the tube is in place, a needle is passed through the tube to obtain a tissue sample.

Laparoscopic biopsy

This type of biopsy is done using minimally invasive laparoscopy. It’s often preferred when you have an infection or there’s a risk of spreading cancer.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can develop for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Gallstones
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Infections
  • Metabolic disorders
  • High triglycerides
  • Medications

The pancreas produces potent digestive enzymes that are inactive while they’re inside the pancreas, then become active after they enter the small intestine. When enzymes are activated while they’re in the pancreas, they break down pancreatic tissues and cause inflammation.

Treatment for pancreatitis may require surgery to remove the gallbladder when the inflammation is caused by gallstones. You may also need surgery to drain fluid from your pancreas and to remove diseased or damaged tissues.

What type of surgery is used to treat pancreatic cancer?

The doctors at Desert West Surgery perform a Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, to treat pancreatic cancer.

A Whipple procedure is a complex surgery that involves removing the top of the pancreas, the gallbladder, bile duct, and part of the small intestine. After they’re removed, your surgeon reconnects the remaining organs so that you can continue to digest food.

Liver and pancreatic surgeries may be performed using minimally invasive surgery or open surgery, depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the disease.

If you have a health condition that requires liver or pancreatic surgery, call Desert West Surgery or book an appointment online.