What happens when your pancreas is removed?

When the pancreas is removed, several significant changes occur in the body affecting digestion, hormone regulation, and overall health. Here are the main consequences of removing the pancreas:

Digestive Issues:

The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion by producing and releasing enzymes such as amylase, protease, and lipase into the small intestine. These enzymes help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the food we eat, allowing the body to absorb essential nutrients. Without a pancreas, the digestive process is severely compromised, leading to malabsorption and malnutrition. Even with enzyme supplements, fat absorption can remain impaired.

Diabetes:

The pancreas also produces and secretes crucial hormones, including insulin and glucagon. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy. Glucagon counteracts insulin by raising blood sugar levels when necessary. Removing the pancreas disrupts this delicate balance, often resulting in diabetes mellitus, specifically type 1 or pancreatogenic diabetes. Individuals must manage their blood sugar levels through insulin therapy, dietary modifications, and regular exercise to prevent severe complications.

Exocrine Insufficiency:

The exocrine function of the pancreas involves producing enzymes that aid in digestion. When the pancreas is absent, this enzyme production ceases. As a result, people may experience symptoms like chronic diarrhea, bulky, foul-smelling stools, and abdominal discomfort due to undigested food particles. Enzyme replacement therapy can help alleviate these symptoms by providing the necessary enzymes to assist digestion.

Malnutrition:

The combination of digestive problems and hormonal imbalances can lead to malnutrition. Despite adequate food consumption, the body struggles to absorb nutrients properly, resulting in deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. This can manifest as weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, and various other health complications.

Risk of Infections:

Lack of digestive enzymes can make individuals more susceptible to infections of the digestive tract as undigested food particles provide a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Frequent episodes of diarrhea further contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Long-Term Health Concerns:

Removing the pancreas can increase the risk of developing certain health issues over time. For instance, individuals may be more prone to kidney disease, osteoporosis, cardiovascular complications, and even certain types of cancer. Regular medical monitoring is essential to detect and manage these potential complications effectively.

Living without a pancreas requires significant lifestyle changes and ongoing medical management to maintain optimal health. Regular consultations with healthcare professionals, including gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, and dietitians, are necessary to ensure proper nutrition, control blood sugar levels, and prevent complications.