What is the pancreas?
The pancreas is a small organ, approximately six inches long, located in the upper abdomen, and connected to the small intestine. It is lying behind other organs, close to the spine, and it is this deep location that at times makes diagnosis of the disease difficult.

The cells within the pancreas produce hormones to aid digestion of fat, protein and carbohydrates by facilitating their absorption in the gut. In other areas of the pancreas, cells function to produce hormones such as insulin, glucagon, somastatin, and gastrin.

Conditions of the pancreas
Tumors of the endocrine glands of the pancreas can involve both the over production or under production of insulin, glucagon, somastatin, and gastrin. Symptoms vary and may or may not include:

• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Altered bowel habits
• Jaundice

Diagnosis
A thorough review of your symptoms and a physical exam is needed. This will be followed by specialized blood tests and imaging of the pancreas by CT. Laparoscopy may be used to further define the tumor, and ultrasound may be employed during surgery to assist the diagnosis and surgical plan.

What if I need surgery?
Laparoscopy is used successfully for endocrine secreting tumors located in the body or tail of the pancreas.

Our center does not operate on the malignant tumors of the head of the pancreas, due to the complicated surgical and post-operative course associated with some repair techniques for this tumor. Referral can be made to centers specializing in these tumors.

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