Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Surgery

Overview

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) is a rare condition where tumors called gastrinomas form in the pancreas or small intestine. These tumors release too much gastrin, a hormone that causes the stomach to produce excess acid. This leads to painful and recurring peptic ulcers, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Surgery for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is often considered when tumors are located and can be removed, offering a potential long-term cure or significant symptom relief.

Why Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Surgery Treatment is Required?

Tumors may be cancerous or could turn malignant over time.

Non-surgical treatments may not effectively control acid levels or tumor growth.

Surgery allows for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome tumor removal, reducing gastrin levels.

Helps manage severe symptoms like abdominal pain, ulcers and chronic diarrhea.

Prevents long-term complications from excess stomach acid.

Key Advantages of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Surgery Treatment

Potential for cure if the gastrinoma is completely removed.

Reduces the need for lifelong medication or acid suppression therapy.

Improves quality of life by eliminating severe digestive symptoms.

Helps detect other hidden tumors during the procedure.

Offers a chance for long-term remission in selected patients.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Surgery Treatment

Complete blood tests to check gastrin levels.

Imaging tests like CT scan, MRI or endoscopic ultrasound to locate tumors.

Discuss any medications, especially acid-reducing drugs or blood thinners.

Follow dietary restrictions or fasting as instructed.

Stop smoking and limit alcohol to support healing.

Prepare mentally for recovery time and possible hospital stay.

How Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Surgery Treatment is Performed?

Surgery is done under general anesthesia in a sterile operating room.

Surgeons locate and remove gastrin-secreting tumors (gastrinomas).

If tumors are small or located in the pancreas or duodenum, minimally invasive techniques may be used.

In complex cases, open surgery may be needed to explore nearby lymph nodes or the liver.

Post-surgery, the area is carefully checked for bleeding or leakage before closure.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before the Procedure:

Hospital admission a day prior or same-day of surgery.

Pre-operative tests and fasting for 6–8 hours.

IV line setup for fluids and medication.

2. During the Procedure:

You will be fully asleep (under anesthesia).

Surgery duration may range from 2 to 5 hours.

Surgical team carefully removes visible tumors.

3. After the Procedure:

Monitoring in recovery or ICU for a short period.

Pain control, IV fluids, and antibiotics given as needed.

Gradual return to oral diet.

Discharge in 3–7 days depending on recovery.

Regular follow-up for tumor markers and healing.

Risk and Potential Complications

Infection or bleeding at the surgical site.

Damage to nearby organs (pancreas, intestine).

Difficulty in completely removing all tumors.

Long-term need for acid-suppressing medications.

Delayed gastric emptying or digestive issues.

Risk of tumor recurrence in some cases.

Results/Outcomes

Many patients experience long-term relief from symptoms.

Tumor removal helps lower gastrin levels and heal ulcers.

In cases with complete removal, there’s a possibility of permanent cure.

Even partial removal improves symptom control.

Regular monitoring ensures early detection of recurrence if it happens.