Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy, a pancreatic tumor surgery option, offers quicker recovery

By Keith Loria

Pancreatic surgery procedures are challenging not only because of tumor placement but also because the technology available for the procedures is constantly being updated as newer, more effective methods are discovered.

“Tumors can be placed within the abdominal cavity," Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria, MD, selected as a Chicago Top Doctor by TopTierMD as a top rated pancreatic surgeon in Chicago and director of the Illinois Center for Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Diseases at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois, said. "There is a tremendous blood supply in this area. When you are dealing with the pancreas, you are dealing with an organ that produces enzymes that are very caustic. They are supposed to break down food particles, but they will breakdown suture material just as well. Sewing pancreas tissue and working in a very vascular area make this area very challenging. This is why many general surgeons pass on pancreas surgery and refer the patient to a specialist like myself.”

Dr. Bilimoria keeps up with all the latest developments and options for these delicate procedures and is one of the most trusted pancreatic surgeons nationally in the field.  
 
“What has been new within the last five years is laparoscopic pancreatectomy,” Dr. Bilimoria said. “I continue to offer laparoscopy to those patients who are candidates for laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic pancreatectomies allow for a shorter hospitalization, quicker recovery, less use of pain medicine after surgery and a quicker return to work.”
 
Knowing about new procedures and techniques isn't enough, however, and it's Dr. Bilimoria's work at the  Illinois Center for Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Diseases at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois, that allows him to maintain his skill level.

“We are able to offer innovative treatments and therapies for pancreatic cancer and benign cysts normally found only in teaching hospitals," Dr. Bilimoria said. "What makes this center so special is that we are able to have a concentrated interest in just those patients with very, very difficult cancers, particularly cancers in the pancreas and liver.  We are able to facilitate cures for these patients in a way that is unlike any other center that I have every seen.

Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria, MD, was selected by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor and is considered Best in Pancreatic Surgery and the Whipple Procedure in Chicago.  He specializes in Hepatobiliary Disease, Gastrointestinal Surgery and the Whipple Procedure.