Advanced Liver-Biliary Pancreatic & Surgical Clinic
Pancreatic Surgery Singapore
Pancreatic Surgery
Pancreatic surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on the pancreas, an organ that plays a key role in digestion and regulating blood sugar. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digest food and hormones like insulin, which regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatic surgery may be necessary when the pancreas is affected by certain conditions.
Facing Pancreatic Cancer Risks?
Get Professional Support in Singapore
<20% of pancreatic cancers are caught early, while still confined to the pancreas. At this stage, surgery offers the best chance for long-term control. Most cases are diagnosed late → making early evaluation crucial.
If you are experiencing symptoms or have a family history of pancreatic cancer, consulting a pancreas doctor in Singapore may help with timely diagnosis and treatment planning.
What is Pancreatic Surgery?
The pancreas is a vital organ located in the abdomen, responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin, which regulate blood sugar levels. When the pancreas is affected by conditions like tumors, cysts, chronic inflammation, or pancreatic cancer, surgery may be required. Pancreatic surgery in Singapore involves different procedures depending on the patient’s condition, ranging from minimally invasive approaches to complex operations such as the Whipple procedure. These surgeries are often recommended to remove diseased tissue, relieve symptoms, and improve long-term health outcomes.
Symptoms & Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic problems can be difficult to detect in their early stages. In the initial phase of pancreatic cancer, symptoms are often absent. As the disease progresses, however, certain warning signs may appear:
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Persistent pain in the upper abdomen or back
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
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Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
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Dark-colored urine or pale stools
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Itching of the skin (often linked to jaundice)
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New Onset Diabetes Mellitus (with weight loss)
Some people have risk factors, or things that increase their risk. While most patients who develop pancreatic cancer do not have obvious risk factors, certain conditions may increase the likelihood of developing it:
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Smoking
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A family history of pancreatic cancer
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Obesity
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Chronic or hereditary pancreatitis
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Certain inherited syndromes (e.g., Familial Adenomatous Polyposis)
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Personal history of cancers, such as breast cancer
If you notice persistent symptoms or have risk factors, it is important to consult a pancreatic surgeon in Singapore for a thorough evaluation.
Types of Pancreatic Cancer Singapore
Pancreatic cancer is generally classified into two main categories, depending on the type of cells where the tumour develops:
Exocrine Pancreatic Tumours
Most cases of pancreatic cancer are exocrine in nature. These tumours begin in the cells responsible for producing digestive enzymes. Exocrine cancers are often aggressive, usually diagnosed at later stages, and require timely, intensive treatment.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (PNETs)
These less common cancers develop in the hormone-producing islet cells of the pancreas. PNETs usually grow more slowly than exocrine tumours and may allow for a wider range of treatment options, depending on how active the tumour is and whether it has spread.
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In real-world studies, only ~60–65% of patients with metastatic PNETs received guideline-adherent treatment .
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This highlights the importance of early referral to an expert pancreas specialist in Singapore for proper diagnosis and tailored treatment planning.
Treatment Options Are Available for Pancreatic Cancer in Singapore
Treatment for pancreatic cancer in Singapore is personalized based on disease stage, patient health, and preferences. Surgical procedures are often performed by an experienced pancreatic surgeon in Singapore when the cancer is still confined to the pancreas or nearby areas.
Pancreatic Resection Surgeries
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Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure): Removal of the pancreatic head, duodenum, gallbladder, and bile duct. Common for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
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Distal Pancreatectomy/Subtotal Pancreatectomy: Removal of the pancreas body and tail, often combined with spleen removal.
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Total Pancreatectomy: Complete removal of the pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder, bile duct, and spleen. Used for widespread pancreatic cancer or genetic conditions.
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Central Pancreatectomy: Removes tumors in the mid-pancreas while preserving pancreatic function.
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Enucleation of Pancreatic Tumors: Minimally invasive surgery to remove small, benign tumors without affecting major pancreatic functions.
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Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreato-splenectomy
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Subtotal Pancreatectomy
Minimally Invasive Surgeries
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Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy: Minimally invasive approach for tumor or cyst removal.
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Robotic Pancreatectomy: Robot-assisted surgery for greater precision.
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Laparoscopic Enucleation: Keyhole surgery for removing small, benign tumors.
Drainage & Bypass Surgeries (Used for Sequelae of Acute pancreatitis and Chronic Pancreatitis)
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Pancreatic Pseudocyst Drainage: Connection of cysts to the stomach/intestine for drainage.
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Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy (Puestow Procedure): Opening the main pancreatic duct to the small intestine, used for chronic pancreatitis.
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Frey’s Procedure: Combines pancreatic head decompression with lateral pancreaticojejunostomy for chronic pancreatitis.
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Beger’s Procedure: Partial removal of the pancreatic head and reconstruction.
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Duodenum-Preserving Pancreatic Head Resection (DPPHR): Preserves the duodenum, offering an alternative to Whipple surgery for chronic pancreatitis.
Pancreatic Trauma & Miscellaneous Surgeries
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Damage Control Surgery for Pancreatic Injury: Emergency surgery for pancreatic trauma.
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Drain Placement for Pancreatic Fistula: Prevents leakage of pancreatic fluids.
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Pancreatic Necrosectomy: Removes dead pancreatic tissue in severe pancreatitis.
Stages of Pancreatic Cancer in Singapore
Staging pancreatic cancer in Singapore helps doctors understand how advanced the disease is. It looks at the tumour’s size, whether it has spread, and if it can be removed through pancreatic surgery in Singapore. This information guides treatment planning and long-term care.
Stage 0
The earliest stage. Abnormal cells are found in the pancreatic ducts but are not yet cancer. These can turn cancerous if untreated. Regular checks with a pancreas doctor in Singapore are important.
Stage I
The tumour is only in the pancreas and is 4 cm or smaller. It has not spread. At this stage, surgery by a pancreatic surgeon in Singapore may be possible.
Stage II
The tumour is larger than 4 cm and may have started to press into nearby tissue. Surgery is sometimes still possible, but treatment planning usually needs a pancreatic cancer specialist in Singapore.
Stage III
The cancer has spread to several lymph nodes or grown around major blood vessels near the pancreas. Surgery is harder, and treatment may include a mix of options as part of pancreatic cancer treatment in Singapore.
Stage IV
The most advanced stage. The cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or abdominal lining. Surgery is usually not possible. Treatment focuses on slowing the cancer and easing symptoms, often guided by a pancreas specialist in Singapore.
Why Choose ALPS Clinic for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Singapore?
Choosing the right pancreas doctor in Singapore is crucial when facing complex conditions like pancreatic cancer. At ALPS Clinic, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and patient-focused care.
Expertise
Our pancreatic surgeon in Singapore is trained in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, with experience in managing complex cases and contributing to scientific research.
Surgical Options
We provide pancreatic surgery in Singapore, including minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, tailored to each patient’s needs.
Evidence-Based Treatment
From diagnosis to pancreatic cancer treatment in Singapore, we use scientific methods to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Personalised Care
Every patient receives individualised treatment planning, focusing on safety, recovery, and quality of life at every stage of care.
GET EARLY DIAGNOSIS & SPECIALISED TREATMENT FOR PANCREATIC CANCER
Consult our skilled pancreatic surgeon in Singapore to discuss surgical and non-surgical treatment approaches.
Pancreatic Resection Surgeries (Tumor & Cancer)
Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure)
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Standard procedure for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
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Involves removal of the pancreatic head, duodenum, gallbladder, and bile duct.
Distal Pancreatectomy/ Subtotal Pancreatectomy/ Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreato-splenectomy (RAMPS)
Removal of the pancreatic body and tail (left-sided tumors)
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Often combined with splenectomy (removal of the spleen).
Total Pancreatectomy
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Removal of the entire pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder, bile duct, and spleen.
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Used in widespread pancreatic cancer or genetic pancreatic diseases.
Central Pancreatectomy
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Preserves pancreatic function by removing a tumor in the mid-pancreas while keeping the head and tail.
Enucleation of Pancreatic Tumors
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Minimally invasive removal of small, benign tumors (e.g., insulinomas) without affecting major pancreatic function.
Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgeries
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Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy – Minimally invasive technique for tumors or cysts.
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Robotic Pancreatectomy – Robotic-assisted removal for better precision.
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Laparoscopic Enucleation – Keyhole surgery to remove small, benign pancreatic tumors.
Drainage & Bypass Surgeries (Pancreatitis & Obstruction)
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Pancreatic Pseudocyst Drainage
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Laparoscopic or Open Cystogastrostomy/Cystojejunostomy – Surgical connection of the cyst to the stomach/intestine for drainage.
Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy (Puestow Procedure)
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Longitudinal opening of the main pancreatic duct to the small intestine.
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Used for chronic pancreatitis with ductal obstruction.
Frey’s Procedure
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Combines pancreatic head decompression with a lateral pancreaticojejunostomy.
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Used for chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic head enlargement.
Beger’s Procedure
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Partial removal of the pancreatic head with reconstruction.
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Used for chronic pancreatitis when the pancreatic head is the main issue.
Duodenum-Preserving Pancreatic Head Resection (DPPHR)
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Includes Beger’s and Frey’s techniques but preserves the duodenum.
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Alternative to Whipple in chronic pancreatitis.
Pancreatic Trauma & Miscellaneous Surgeries
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Damage Control Surgery for Pancreatic Injury – Emergency surgery for pancreatic trauma
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Drain Placement for Pancreatic Fistula – Prevents leakage of pancreatic fluids.
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Pancreatic Necrosectomy – Surgical removal of dead (necrotic) pancreatic tissue in severe pancreatitis.
