Definition

Noun: A pancreatectomy is a surgical operation to remove part or the entire pancreas.

Usage

This medical term is used specifically to describe the surgical procedure itself, its necessity, or its outcomes. * The patient underwent a pancreatectomy to treat the tumor. * A total pancreatectomy is a major operation with significant lifelong consequences. * The surgeon explained the risks and benefits of the pancreatectomy.

Advanced Usage

• The type of pancreatectomy is often specified by a prefix:
  • Total pancreatectomy: Removal of the entire pancreas.
  • Partial/Distal pancreatectomy: Removal of only a portion, typically the body and tail of the pancreas.
• It is discussed in contexts of oncology (cancer treatment), chronic pancreatitis management, and post-operative care.

Variants and Related Words

• Pancreatic (adjective): Relating to the pancreas. (e.g., , )
• Pancreatitis (noun): Inflammation of the pancreas.

Synonyms

• Pancreas removal
• Pancreatic resection (This is a more general surgical term for cutting out part of an organ; "pancreatectomy" is the specific term for the pancreas.)

Noun

1. surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas