Pancreatic Fistula - tumor was removed laparoscopically Posted: 10-03-07 17:04pm
I need information about internal
pancreatic fistulas. Mine developed a
month ago when I had surgery to remove a
nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumor. The
tumor was removed laparoscopically from
the surface of the pancreatic body, but
was attached to a branch of the splenic
artery. So the doctors did open surgery.
I am recovering well from the surgery and
had minimal pain even though the epidural
had to be removed early because of low
blood pressure and arrhythmia problems.
But now I have developed this fistula. I
have pancreatitis as a result. The
doctors are talking about months with the
drain, which produces 3-400ml per day. I
had a shot of Sandostatin LAR Depot before
I left the hospital and I take Viocase 16
(pancreatic enzymes) before and after all
meals. My questions involve average wait
for these to heal, other people's
experiences, peer-reviewed articles on the
standard of care for this, etc. Any
experiences that anyone can give me will
help.
