Oelwein, IA
A 35-year-old female asked:
Elevated lipase level two days in row. recent vsg surgery. no pain or other symtpoms. just lipase. does this mean cancer?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Crystal Twynhamanswered
General surgery, Breast Surgery, Cancer Surgery, Bariatric (weight loss) surgery, Endocrine surgery, Minimally invasive surgery 35 years experience
Pancreatitis or VSG: A vertical sleeve gastrectomy removes about 75% of stomach, including the part that covers a lot of the pancreas. Both surgery in this area and general anesthesia can cause elevations in lipase, which represent pancreatitis. CANCER NEVER ELEVATES LIPASE (very rare cases). Lipase must have been measured because of pain -- no other reason. Could also be a leak or an ulcer. Rec endoscopy & CT.
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Last updated Jun 25, 2016
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