Dr. Evgeny SolomonovHead of the Department of Liver, Pancreas, and Biliary Surgery in the Transplantation Department
A pancreatic cyst can be completely harmless, but in some cases, it poses a real "time bomb," especially when there is a risk of it transforming into cancer. Specialists at the Top Ichilov clinic have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating such cysts and know how to accurately distinguish dangerous formations from safe ones. The clinic employs the most modern diagnostic methods, including state-of-the-art MRI with high resolution, and cyst resection surgeries are performed by world-class surgeons, ensuring patients receive safe and effective treatment.
Pancreatic Cyst: Surgical Treatment at the Top Ichilov Clinic
The choice of treatment method depends on the type of cyst, its size, location, presence of complications, and the overall condition of the patient. Modern technologies allow for minimally invasive surgeries, which shorten the rehabilitation period and reduce the risk of complications. An interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of pancreatic cysts ensures the most effective care. Surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and other specialists are involved in the process. An individualized approach to each patient allows for the selection of the optimal treatment method and minimizes risks.
Surgical Treatment of High-Risk Cysts
For cysts that pose a threat of cancer development, the most effective treatment method is surgical intervention. There are several types of surgeries:
- Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): This is the most extensive surgical intervention used for tumors or cysts located in the head of the pancreas. During the surgery, the following are removed: the head of the pancreas, part of the duodenum, the gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach. The remaining organs are then connected to restore the digestive process. Despite its complexity, this method allows for the complete removal of the affected area and reduces the risk of recurrence.
- Distal Pancreatectomy: This is used to remove the tail of the pancreas, where benign cysts are most often located. Sometimes, the spleen may also need to be removed. Modern technologies allow this surgery to be performed minimally invasively, which shortens the rehabilitation period.
- Partial Pancreatectomy: This method allows for the removal of only the affected part of the pancreas, preserving a large portion of healthy tissue. This is less traumatic for the body and helps maintain pancreatic functions to a greater extent.
Treatment of Cysts Without Risk of Transformation
For cysts that do not pose a threat to life, treatment can be more conservative:
- Observation: Regular examinations (ultrasound, MRI) allow for monitoring the growth of the cyst and timely detection of any changes.
- Symptomatic Treatment: In the presence of pain syndrome, digestive disturbances, or other symptoms, appropriate medications are prescribed.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Puncture: A thin needle is inserted through a small incision to remove fluid from the cyst.
- Sclerotherapy: A special substance is introduced into the cyst cavity, causing its walls to adhere and preventing fluid from accumulating again.
- Drainage: A thin tube is placed to drain fluid from the cyst.
Medical Procedures
- Surgical methods for treating gastrointestinal organs
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Pancreatic Cyst: Accurate Diagnosis at the Top Ichilov Clinic
Pancreatic cysts are benign formations that often occur asymptomatically, especially if they are small. However, it is important to understand that not all cysts are safe. Some can transform into malignant tumors. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough diagnostics to accurately determine the nature of the formation and develop an individualized treatment plan.
The Ichilov clinic is equipped with the most modern medical equipment, allowing for all necessary examinations to be conducted promptly and under one roof. This significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy and allows for the timely detection of any pathological changes. Thanks to a comprehensive approach, clinic specialists develop an optimal treatment strategy for each patient.
First Day — Initial Consultation
On the very first day at the clinic, the patient receives a consultation from a leading Israeli hepatobiliary surgeon, who conducts a preliminary examination and collects medical history, as well as develops a plan for initial diagnostics.
Second Day — Diagnosis
The main task of the diagnosis is to determine whether the cyst is benign or malignant. For this purpose, the following diagnostic examinations are conducted at the Top Ichilov clinic:
- CT of the pancreas, which determines the structure of the cyst;
- MRI determines if there are solid elements in the structure of the pancreatic cyst;
- Endoscopic Ultrasound is used to visualize the cyst and take samples of its fluid using an endoscope equipped with a thin needle. The fluid sample is then analyzed for the presence of the tumor marker CEA - carcinoembryonic antigen.
Third Day — Treatment Plan
On the third day, an expert group specially created for each patient studies the test results and develops the most effective individualized treatment plan based on them. Experts monitor the treatment process until the patient’s departure and provide recommendations for continuing treatment and rehabilitation.
Cost of Treatment in Israel
The cost of treating a pancreatic cyst depends on the type of surgery, the complexity of the procedure, the equipment used, and the duration of stay in the clinic. For an accurate price estimate for your case, it is recommended to contact a consultant at the phone number listed on the website. The consultant will provide detailed information about costs and treatment options, taking into account all individual features of your condition.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Highly qualified surgeons with international training.
- Modern diagnostic and treatment methods using advanced equipment.
- Individual approach to each patient and their condition.
- Minimally invasive and robotic technologies to minimize risks.
- Multidisciplinary approach, including consultations with specialists from various fields.
Do not ignore the signs of illness! Even without coming to the clinic, you can order a consultation with the necessary specialist, contact them via Skype or Zoom, providing the results of preliminary examinations, and receive specific recommendations. You will learn which of the existing methods in world medicine best suits your condition.