Pancreatic tumors
Pancreatic adenocarcinomas infiltrating the superior mesenteric vein, portal vein, or celiac trunk.
Reviewed by Dr. Juan José Torrent — Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialized Unit
Oncovascular Unit
Surgical treatment of tumors affecting major blood vessels. We combine experience in oncological and vascular surgery to offer complete resections with vascular reconstruction.
CONTACT SPECIALISTWhat is oncovascular surgery?
Oncovascular surgery is a subspecialty that addresses the treatment of tumors that invade or are in close contact with major blood vessels (main arteries and veins). Historically, this vascular involvement was considered a contraindication for curative surgery.
Advances in surgical techniques and collaboration between oncological and vascular surgeons have made it possible to perform complete tumor resections along with the affected vascular segment, followed by vessel reconstruction to maintain organ perfusion.
When is oncovascular surgery needed?
Tumor vascular involvement can present in various situations:
Retroperitoneal sarcomas
Large tumors encasing major vessels such as the inferior vena cava or iliac vessels.
Hepatic tumors
Primary tumors or metastases affecting the hepatic veins or retrohepatic vena cava.
Tumor recurrences
Recurrences growing to infiltrate vascular structures in previously operated fields.
Vascular reconstruction techniques
We have multiple techniques to reconstruct resected vessels:
Tangential resection
When only part of the vessel wall is affected, it is partially resected and closed directly or with a patch.
Segmental resection with anastomosis
Removal of a complete vessel segment with direct end-to-end connection when length permits.
Graft interposition
Use of venous grafts (saphenous vein, jugular) or prosthetic grafts to replace the resected vascular segment.
Vascular bypass
Creation of a diversion that maintains blood flow while tumor resection is performed.
Frequently affected vessels
We have experience in reconstruction of the main abdominal vessels:
Portal and mesenteric vein
Frequently affected in pancreatic tumors. Their resection and reconstruction is feasible with good outcomes.
Inferior vena cava
Infiltrated by retroperitoneal sarcomas, renal and hepatic tumors. Can be partially or completely resected.
Iliac vessels
Affected in pelvic tumors and sarcomas. Reconstruction maintains limb perfusion.
Celiac trunk and hepatic artery
In advanced pancreatic tumors. Can be resected if adequate collateral circulation exists.
Our oncovascular unit
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we have developed an oncovascular unit that integrates oncological surgeons with training in vascular techniques and vascular surgeons with experience in tumor surgery. This collaboration allows us to approach tumors that were previously considered inoperable.
We evaluate each case individually, planning surgery with advanced imaging studies that allow anticipating vascular reconstruction needs and preparing the necessary resources.
Pathologies that may require oncovascular surgery
Various oncological pathologies can benefit from this specialized approach.
Sarcomas
Retroperitoneal sarcomas with major vessel involvement.
More informationBiliopancreatic tumors
Pancreatic tumors with vascular involvement.
More informationHepatic tumors
Tumors with hepatic vein or vena cava involvement.
More informationWhere do we perform oncovascular surgery?
We operate in two private hospitals of reference in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological standards.
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Internationally recognised private hospital in Barcelona where the team carries out its high-complexity surgical oncology activity.
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Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology and cutting-edge surgical technology.
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Real cases
Patient testimonies and surgery explanations
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology. Excellent survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseLaura's case
Rare abdominal tumor treated with complex cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC and systemic chemotherapy. Disease-free after almost 2 years.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of hope and survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
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★★★★★
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
★★★★★
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The human treatment is great and the results are too. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
★★★★★
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
★★★★★
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
★★★★★
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
★★★★★
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
★★★★★
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sending my diagnosis to every center, practically all agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time since I had very aggressive cell types. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, at surgery the harmful cells everyone diagnosed (and used to refuse to operate) were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
★★★★★
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very easy-going and polite doctor. When talking with him you can easily grasp his qualities as a professional and human being: perseverance, innate curiosity and passion for learning, humility, honesty and empathy. Having surgery is always an intense experience, anxieties arise and one feels very vulnerable. All of that being said, as his ex-patient I can assure that throughout the process his care and professionalism were absolutely outstanding. I felt safe, supported by him, knowing I was in good hands. I will be forever grateful. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
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