Nutrition Support for Acute & Chronic Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Surgery (Whipples) and Pancreatic Cancer

Why Choose a Specialist Pancreatic Dietitian?

When it comes to pancreatic nutrition, general dietary advice isn’t enough. Here’s why working with a specialist dietitian is essential:
‍

1. Expertise in Digestive Health

Pancreatic surgery, cancer and pancreatitis disrupt the body’s finely tuned digestive processes. A specialist dietitian understands these changes and provides solutions for issues like gastroparesis, dumping syndrome, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), and diabetes.

2. Personalised Nutrition Plans

Every patient’s recovery is different. Your dietitian will make personalised recommendations to support healing, manage symptoms, and help you regain strength.

3. Proactive Management of Complications

Regular dietetic monitoring ensures potential problems like nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or poor symptom control are identified and managed early.

4. Improved Quality of Life

The right nutrition can alleviate symptoms, boost energy levels, and help you feel your best during recovery and beyond.

5. Preoperative Optimisation

For patients awaiting surgery, preoperative nutritional optimisation improves outcomes and prepares your body for recovery.
‍

Nutrition Support after Pancreatic Surgery: Why it matters.

Undergoing pancreatic surgery, such as a partial pancreatectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple’s operation), or total pancreatectomy, is a life-changing event. These complex gastrointestinal surgeries require specialised nutritional care to support recovery, manage complications, and optimise your long-term health.

Whipple’s Surgery FAQs

• What should I eat after surgery?
  Recovery requires a carefully tailored diet to support healing, manage digestion, and maintain energy levels.
• How do I manage symptoms like bloating or diarrhoea?
  Nutritional strategies can help alleviate symptoms caused by altered digestive processes.
• Will I need supplements or enzymes?
  Many patients experience pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) and benefit from pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and targeted supplements.
• How do I balance my blood sugars?
  If diabetes develops after surgery, diet plays a key role in blood sugar management.

Nutrition Support for Pancreatitis: Why it matters.

Both acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis significantly impact the pancreas and pose serious risks to nutritional health. Specialist dietitians play a critical role in managing these conditions, addressing malnutrition, and improving overall quality of life.

Pancreatitis FAQs

Why is nutrition important in pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis disrupts digestion, leading to malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies, and weight loss. Proper nutritional care supports recovery, alleviates symptoms, and prevents complications.

What is pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), and how does it affect me?

• In acute pancreatitis: Over 50% of patients develop PEI, which impairs the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. PEI can cause bloating, diarrhoea, and nutrient deficiencies. While it typically resolves within 6–18 months, some cases persist for years.
• In chronic pancreatitis: PEI is a frequent complication, often requiring long-term management.

How can a dietitian help with PEI?
Specialist dietitians can prescribe pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to restore proper digestion and eliminate symptoms like maldigestion, bloating, and nutrient deficiencies.

What are the risks of malnutrition in chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis often leads to:

• Decreased appetite and oral intake from abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• Malabsorption and deficiencies due to PEI.
• Endocrine failure (diabetes), which complicates dietary management.

Featured in NZ Listener Magazine

Kylie Russell was interviewed for a nutrition column in the NZ Listener Magazine, where she shared her expertise on managing diet for recurrent pancreatitis. In the article, Kylie provided practical advice on navigating dietary challenges, clarified misconceptions about restrictive diets, and emphasised the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition for pancreatic health. As a specialist dietitian with experience in supporting individuals with pancreatic conditions, Kylie’s insights reflect her commitment to evidence-based care and personalised nutrition strategies. The feature highlights her role as a trusted voice in the field of digestive health, offering support for those seeking clarity in their nutritional journey. Read more about what to eat after an episode of acute pancreatitis in Kylie's blog.

Nutrition Support for Pancreatic Cancer: Why it Matters.

Pancreatic cancer frequently leads to serious digestive challenges, with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) being a major contributor. PEI impairs the digestion and absorption of nutrients, often resulting in weight loss, malnutrition, and cachexia—conditions that can significantly affect quality of life, weaken the body, and compromise treatment outcomes. Addressing these issues requires specialised care. By working with a specialist dietitian, you gain expert guidance to manage these complications, restore nutritional balance, and improve both your health and overall wellbeing.

Pancreatic Cancer FAQs

Why do digestion problems occur in pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer can obstruct the pancreatic duct, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the small intestine. Without these enzymes, food cannot be properly broken down, leading to malabsorption and symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Unintended weight loss

What is pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), and how is it treated?
PEI occurs when the pancreas cannot release enough enzymes to digest food. Treatment with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) restores digestion, reducing symptoms and improving nutrient absorption.

How can a dietitian help with PERT?
The effectiveness of PERT depends on matching the dosage to your dietary intake. A specialist dietitian prescriber is uniquely qualified to:

• • Tailor PERT dosing to your meals.
  • Educate you on timing and administration for optimal results.
  • Adjust PERT as your dietary needs change.

How can I maintain my weight and strength during treatment?
Weight loss is a common concern in pancreatic cancer. A dietitian will provide strategies to maximise calorie and protein intake, ensuring you maintain energy and muscle mass despite treatment challenges.

What foods should I eat or avoid?
Your dietitian will guide you in choosing easily digestible, nutrient-dense foods while addressing any specific dietary intolerances or preferences.

Take Control of Your Nutrition and Wellbeing

Living with pancreatic issues can be challenging, but specialist dietitian support makes a significant difference. By managing digestion, optimising your nutritional intake, and providing personalised enzyme therapy, we help you feel better, maintain your strength, and improve your quality of life.