Specialized pancreatic interventions customized for your condition, providing effective treatment for digestive disorders, endocrine function, and improved quality of life.
Dr. Nguyen specializes in a range of sophisticated pancreatic procedures tailored to address complex disorders of this vital organ. Each surgical approach is designed to effectively treat conditions affecting both digestive enzyme production and hormone regulation, while employing the most appropriate techniques to preserve function and optimize recovery outcomes.
Explore our pancreatic procedure options below to discover which approach might be most suitable for your specific condition and personal health circumstances.
This complex procedure removes the head of the pancreas, the first portion of the small intestine, the gallbladder, part of the bile duct, and sometimes part of the stomach to treat tumors and other conditions affecting this region.
What happens during surgery?
Using either an open approach or minimally invasive techniques in select cases, your surgeon carefully removes the affected portions of multiple organs and reconstructs the digestive tract. The remaining pancreas, bile duct, and stomach are connected to the small intestine, restoring digestive flow. The entire procedure typically takes 4-8 hours under general anesthesia and requires meticulous attention to detail.
Benefits:
Potential for cure or significant disease control for pancreatic cancer
Effective treatment for precancerous lesions before they progress
Resolution of obstructions affecting the bile duct or duodenum
Addresses chronic pancreatitis that hasn't responded to other treatments
Opportunity for comprehensive tissue analysis to guide further treatment
Preservation of remaining pancreatic function whenever possible
Whipple procedure offers the best chance for long-term survival in pancreatic cancer patients with resectable tumors, providing both therapeutic intervention and definitive diagnosis while maintaining essential digestive and metabolic functions.
This specialized procedure addresses fluid-filled sacs within the pancreas, removing or draining symptomatic cysts and those with malignant potential to prevent complications and provide definitive diagnosis.
What happens during surgery?
Using either minimally invasive techniques or an open approach depending on cyst location and characteristics, your surgeon accesses the pancreas to evaluate the cyst directly. The procedure may involve complete excision, partial pancreas removal, internal drainage into the digestive tract, or external drainage. Tissue samples are always obtained for pathological analysis. The entire procedure typically takes 2-4 hours under general anesthesia.
Benefits:
Relief from symptoms like pain, nausea, and early satiety
Definitive diagnosis through complete pathological examination
Prevention of potential malignant transformation in certain cyst types
Resolution of complications like infection, bleeding, or obstruction
Reduced anxiety about unknown cyst behavior or growth
Customized approach based on specific cyst characteristics
Pancreatic cyst surgery provides both diagnostic clarity and therapeutic benefit for concerning pancreatic cysts, addressing current symptoms while eliminating the risk of future complications from these often unpredictable lesions.
.svg)
All our pancreas procedures are performed by our highly trained surgical team using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. We're committed to providing you with the most effective, specialized care for pancreatic conditions because we believe you deserve:
Precision treatment of complex pancreatic disorders
Expert management of both benign and malignant conditions
Minimally invasive approaches when appropriate for faster recovery
Preservation of pancreatic function whenever possible
Coordinated multidisciplinary care for optimal outcomes
Comprehensive pain management and symptom relief
Specialized follow-up to monitor digestive and endocrine function
Dr. Richard Nguyen is a board-certified General Surgeon with over 20 years of surgical expertise and fellowship training in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery from Vanderbilt University. Since establishing his practice in San Jose in 2007, he has pioneered innovative surgical techniques, including single-incision laparoscopic procedures and mastery of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Beyond his acclaimed bariatric surgery practice, he has earned national recognition for his specialized expertise in both non-mesh and advanced mesh hernia repairs, while also serving as a critical approach surgeon for anterior spine access procedures. Dr. Nguyen combines technical precision with personalized care across multiple premier facilities throughout the South Bay Area.
I would refer Doctor Nguyen to anyone, in fact I have and they have all had the same experience as me. He is truly great. I owe all my success to Doctor Nguyen and I thank him for all the work he has done for me and continues to do so. He is extremely amazing, and I am very grateful to him.
.avif){kind=avatar}
At 50, I now have a life I had only dreamed of a year before. My body tells me if I am done eating. This surgery is a tool that I have used to the fullest. It is not an easy way out. It still took work. But I honestly know that I would not be living this amazing new life if I didn’t step forward to embrace this life-saving surgery.
.avif){kind=avatar}
Dr. Nguyen has changed my life completely. I feel so much better and I also feel like I’ve got control of my life again…I had high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. I took at least 5 different medications for the past 30 years. NOW, after surgery I take no medications only vitamins!
Wondering which surgical procedure might be right for your condition? We're here to help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Your path to improved health may be more achievable than you think—with advanced surgical techniques leading to faster recovery, reduced complications, and a significantly enhanced quality of life.