Removing the pancreas can treat these problems but lead to additional health challenges requiring lifelong management.
A pancreatectomysurgery to remove the pancreasis a complicated procedure from which it can be challenging to recover.
Even more liver and digestive system problems can arise without these enzymes.

Halfpoint Images / Getty Images
About one-third of all people who have had a pancreatectomy require some form of additional abdominal surgery thereafter.
Most short-term complications, like increased gas and diarrhea, may resolve within a year after surgery.
However, you should maintain contact and care with your healthcare provider, even if short-term complications resolve.
Diabetes-related complications significantly contribute to long-term issues.
It’s also important to consider your emotional and psychological health following pancreas removal.
Why Would Someone Need Their Pancreas Removed?
There are several medical conditions that could lead to needing a pancreatectomy.
You will need to take new medicationsoften for new-onset diabetesand manage digestive changes with diet and other lifestyle adjustments.
January 2025;27(1):123-129. doi:10.1016/j.hpb.2024.10.011
Jabonska B, Mrowiec S.Pancreatectomy and pancreatic surgery.Life.
December 2019;14(4):391-396. doi:10.26574/maedica.2019.14.4.391.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Whipple procedure.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your distal pancreatectomy.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your total pancreatectomy.
Husu HL, Kuronen JA, Leppaniemi AK.
August 2024;15(4).