Cancer of the pancreas is the most common indication for surgery of the pancreas. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and fifth in women. Surgery provides the best chance for survival but under the very best circumstances there is only a 20% chance of a five year survival. It is demanding surgery with many potential complications. Cigarette smoking is considered a significant risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Anatomy

• The pancreas lies across the upper abdomen. It extends from the inside of the C loop of the duodenum (Surgery of the Duodenum) to the hilum of the spleen (Splenectomy). It lies behind the stomach and the peritoneum (the thin lining of the abdominal cavity). The head of the pancreas lies in the C- shaped duodenal curve while the tail of the pancreas lies toward the spleen. The body of the pancreas lies between the head and the tail. (Figure 1)

Figure 1 - Anatomy of the pancreas and surrounding structures. © C. McKee