Re: re: pancreatic cancer and BPD

October 30, 2001

In a message dated 10/27/01 9:03:28 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<<

But wouldn't pancreatic cancer be caught at the time of surgery by the

surgeon? When they're in there it's normal practice to look around and feel

around. I know my aunt went in for a gall bladder removal and was diagnosed

with pancreatic cancer in an early stage. Her pancreas was later removed,

making her a diabetic but removing all cancer thus saving her life.

>>

Sheryl: I was referring to the development of pancreatic cancer AFTER

surgery (there is a slightly increased risk with a BPD -- NOT a DS -- but the

BPD involves removal of the lower stomach and this has been associated with

increased pancreatic cancer risk). I think my previous post was misleading

b/c I referred to 'post-op DSers' --- I meant to say 'post-op BPD or

post-surgery patients who have had their lower stomach removed in the WLS

surgery (this would be BPD and perhaps some RNY IF the lower portion is

removed. I don't think this is standard by any means but I have heard of

this happening sometimes?).

If a post-op BPDer had symptoms such as bloating, gas, vague abdominal pains

this *could be* interpreted as a 'side-effect' of the surgery and not

properly explored as a possible pancreatic cancer. I'm sure that if someone

had pancreatic problems this would show up in pre-op bloodwork and/or during

the surgery most likely.

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC

nine months post-op and still feelin' fabu

preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 207 lbs (yahoo!)

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