Hearing that there is something medically wrong with you and that you need surgery can be both confusing and scary. You probably have a lot of questions, and you may be unsure of who to go to for consultation. You wonder if you should get a second opinion or if you should trust the first medical provider?s advice. You have probably questioned the chances of your surgery being successful. You have probably wondered how much recovery time will be needed. You may have even questioned how to choose the best surgeon for your surgery. It is an important surgery and how do you choose the best surgeon for it?

Most medical conditions have better survival rates if the disease or condition is found early on. If the pancreatic cancer is detected at an early stage when surgical removal of the tumor is possible, the five year survival rate is about 26%. If the cancer has spread to the surrounding organs or tissue (regional spread), the five year survival rate is 10%. If the cancer has spread to parts of the body far away from the pancreas (distant spread), the five year survival rate is 2%. Early detection is key in a successful outcome. This is why so many medical providers recommend yearly physicals for all adults. Regular physicals can screen for any problems, attempting to early detect any major health concerns.

However, sometimes these things are missed and removal of the disease becomes the priority. A liver surgeon must remove as much of the tumor as possible. Considering that the survival rates tend to be low, it is important to find a liver surgeon who you trust and is experienced and knowledgeable in liver surgery to ensure that your odds are as high as possible.

Some patients with liver damage may be candidates for a liver transplant. The percentages of those who are qualified candidates have increased from previous years. The percentage of patients who can now be considered for liver resection has jumped to almost 30%. In recent years, better survival rates for patients with primary or metastatic liver cancer have been reported. Those patients who are candidates for liver transplants will also need to carefully select a liver surgeon for their transplant surgery. The pancreatic surgeon should have many years of experience when it comes to liver and pancreas transplants.

More than 20,350 people in the United States die each year from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Although some liver damage and liver diseases cannot be prevented, some of them can be. You should always refrain from excessive drinking and medication use. Some medications can be very hard on the liver and excessive use can lead to liver failure. If you are prone to liver diseases or if you have a family history of liver problems, you should attempt to refrain from all alcohol and harmful medications. Pancreas surgery is an extensive surgery.

When surgery and transplantation is necessary, it is important to always seek consultation in multiple doctors. One liver surgeon may have different consultation that another. A second opinion is always necessary when surgery is an option. It is also important to take the necessary steps of surgery consultation and preparation as soon as possible.

Functioning with an impaired or affected liver can be very dangerous. It can lead to additional health problems, problems that cannot be corrected over time. The liver surgeon should run all of the appropriate tests and should provide you with outcome rates. They should also provide you with necessary information on after surgery.

Surgery for any condition can be confusing and scary. It can be even more confusing and scarier when your life is on the line. Liver surgery is one of these more serious surgeries that should always have a second opinion and should only be completed by a very experienced surgeon. Choosing the right surgeon can actually increase your outcome odds. The earlier the better, so prevention is important. You should visit your medical professional yearly for testing and refrain from excessive alcohol and medication use. These items can be hard on the liver and can cause many dangerous medical condition over a long period of usage.