Which procedure removes the bottom half of the pancreas?

Which procedure removes the bottom half of the pancreas?

• A. Distal pancreatectomy
• B. Radical pancreatoduodenectomy
• C. Total pancreatectomy
• D. Cholecystojejunostomy

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is which surgery targets the tail and body of the pancreas. A distal pancreatectomy removes the body and tail, leaving the head intact, which corresponds to removing the bottom half of the gland. This procedure is commonly done for lesions in the distal pancreas or tumors in the body/tail region, and it may involve removal of the spleen if it’s attached or involved. In contrast, a radical pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple) removes the head of the pancreas and adjacent structures; a total pancreatectomy removes the entire pancreas; and a cholecystojejunostomy is a biliary-enteric bypass that does not remove pancreatic tissue.

The concept being tested is which surgery targets the tail and body of the pancreas. A distal pancreatectomy removes the body and tail, leaving the head intact, which corresponds to removing the bottom half of the gland. This procedure is commonly done for lesions in the distal pancreas or tumors in the body/tail region, and it may involve removal of the spleen if it’s attached or involved. In contrast, a radical pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple) removes the head of the pancreas and adjacent structures; a total pancreatectomy removes the entire pancreas; and a cholecystojejunostomy is a biliary-enteric bypass that does not remove pancreatic tissue.