Surgical Management of Pancreatic Cancer with Portal Vein Involvement — A Case by Dr. Manoj Dongare
How a Complex Whipple's Procedure with Portal Vein Involvement Was Successfully Performed in Pune
Pancreatic cancer involving major blood vessels is considered one of the most technically demanding surgical challenges in HPB surgery. When a 60-year-old gentleman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer involving the portal vein and abutting the Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA), most surgeons would consider it extremely high risk. Dr. Manoj Dongare, a leading HPB and Liver Transplant Surgeon, took on this challenge and delivered a successful outcome.
The Patient and His Complaint
A 60-year-old male presented with persistent pain in the abdomen. A CT scan of the abdomen revealed a serious finding:
A tumour in the pancreas involving the portal vein
The tumour was abutting the Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) — one of the most critical blood vessels supplying the intestines
The case was referred to Dr. Manoj Dongare specifically for portal vein resection — given his expertise as an HPB and Liver Transplant Surgeon
Confirming the Diagnosis
Before planning surgery, Dr. Manoj Dongare performed:
EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) with biopsy — to obtain tissue from the pancreatic tumour
Biopsy result — confirmed pancreatic cancer
Full pre-operative staging and surgical planning completed
The Surgery — A Technically Demanding Whipple's Procedure
Dr. Manoj Dongare performed a Whipple's Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy) using a highly specialised surgical approach.
Step-by-step surgical highlights:
SMA First Approach — Instead of the conventional approach, Dr. Manoj Dongare used the SMA first technique — exposing and completely baring the Superior Mesenteric Artery first to ensure clear surgical margins and safe dissection around the most critical vessel
Complete removal of the Uncinate Process — The uncinate process of the pancreas, which was closely involved with the SMA, was completely excised
Portal vein management — The tumour's involvement with the portal vein was carefully addressed with precise dissection
Pancreatic duct reconstruction — The pancreatic duct was extremely small and could not initially be cannulated even with a 24-gauge cannula. Dr. Manoj Dongare serially dilated the duct step by step until adequate size was achieved
Duct-to-mucosa Pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) — A precise connection was created between the tiny pancreatic duct and the small intestine — one of the most technically demanding steps in the entire procedure
Post-Operative Recovery
Following this complex surgery, the patient's recovery was smooth:
✔️ No major post-operative complications
✔️ No pancreatic leak — despite the tiny duct reconstruction
✔️ Patient was discharged on Postoperative Day 12
✔️ Patient doing well on follow-up
Key Takeaways from This Case
Pancreatic cancer involving the portal vein is not always inoperable — the right surgeon with vascular expertise can still achieve a curative resection
SMA first approach is a specialised technique that improves safety and surgical margins in complex pancreatic cancer cases
Tiny pancreatic ducts require innovative intraoperative solutions — serial dilation and precise duct-to-mucosa anastomosis
EUS with biopsy is essential for confirming pancreatic cancer before surgery
Early referral to an experienced HPB surgeon significantly improves outcomes
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer involving major vessels, do not lose hope. Consult an expert today.
📍 Cloverleaf Speciality Clinic | Wakad, Pune-PCMC 🏥 D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre | Pimpri, Pune 🌐 www.livertransplantpune.in 📞 Call Us: +91 9881379573 🗓️ Book An Appointment →
















