Distal Pancreatecomy

Distal pancreatectomy is the surgical removal of the body and tail of the pancreas. It may be performed when a pancreatic duct is blocked or diseased as a result of tumors, chronic pancreatitis or psuedocysts (collections of pancreatic juices that failed to drain).

In many cases, the neighboring spleen also is removed because it is inflamed or obstructed and failing to drain.