Etymed
pancreatectomy
Definition
Surgical removal of the entire pancreas
Clinical context
A 58-year-old man with chronic pancreatitis and multiple pancreatic cysts requires surgical intervention. The patient undergoes a pancreaticoduodenectomy with total pancreatectomy due to extensive disease involving the head and neck of the pancreas. Postoperatively, he develops diabetes mellitus and exocrine insufficiency requiring insulin therapy and pancreatic enzyme replacement. A similar case presents in a 45-year-old woman with hereditary pancreatitis who requires total pancreatectomy after recurrent severe attacks despite medical management.
Mnemonic
Pancreatectomy = Pancreas gone, diabetes and malabsorption follow
These morphemes also unlock…
- pancreat/o — pancreas (from pan=all + kreas=flesh)
- -ectomy — surgical removal