Distal Pancreatectomy in Dr. Santos Jiménez de los Galanes
About the clinic
Distal pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tail or body of the pancreas, often performed at Hospital Ruber Internacional in Madrid, Spain. This treatment is led by Dr. Santos Jiménez de los Galanes Marchán, who was named Doctor of the Year 2025 for innovation in robotic surgery. The procedure focuses on using robotic methods to remove diseased tissue while preserving the spleen whenever possible.
Robotic Surgery with the da Vinci System
Dr. Santos Jiménez de los Galanes Marchán uses the da Vinci robotic system for pancreatic surgeries. This technology provides high-definition 3D vision and precise movement during the operation. The robotic approach is minimally invasive, which helps reduce blood loss and leads to a faster recovery for the patient. Unlike traditional open surgery, this method uses small incisions to access the digestive organs.
Spleen Preservation and Immune Health
A key focus of this procedure is distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation. Many standard surgeries remove the spleen along with the pancreas part. Keeping the spleen helps the body maintain its immune function and lowers the long-term risk of infections. Dr. Santos Jiménez de los Galanes Marchán applies millimeter precision to separate the pancreas from the splenic vessels safely.
Advanced Surgical Planning
Before the operation begins, the surgical team uses 3D reconstruction planning. This creates a detailed map of the patient’s anatomy. It allows Dr. Santos Jiménez de los Galanes Marchán to build a personalized surgical strategy. Seeing the exact location of blood vessels and tissues before surgery helps improve patient safety during the actual procedure.
Expertise of Dr. Santos Jiménez de los Galanes Marchán
Dr. Santos Jiménez de los Galanes Marchán serves as the Chief of General and Digestive Surgery at Hospital Ruber Internacional. He has over 20 years of experience in complex abdominal operations. He holds a PhD in Surgery with honors and is an accredited surgeon for the da Vinci console. His work in robotic digestive surgery is recognized across Spain for its focus on patient outcomes and innovation.
To learn more about robotic pancreatic surgery in Madrid, you can leave a request on Bookimed.
Highlights
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Treatments prices in the clinic
| treatment | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroidectomy | Price on request | |
| Whipple surgery | Price on request | |
| Distal Pancreatectomy | Price on request |
How are we doing?
Dr. Santos Jiménez de los Galanes: more details about the clinic
- International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association
- Society of Robotic Surgery
- International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
Each specialist contributes to a coordinated approach for complex abdominal conditions.
### Specialized Digestive and Oncologic CareThe clinic treats abdominal and digestive conditions with minimally invasive methods. Surgeons manage **peritoneal carcinomatosis** using robotic options and advanced techniques like HIPEC and PIPAC. For colorectal cancer with liver metastases, the team uses a **Liver First** strategy. The practice also performs robotic pancreatic surgery, often with 3D planning reconstructions.Proctology services use laser technology for hemorrhoids and fistulas. This method requires an incision of only **1 millimeter**. Patients typically go home the same day and recover within 24 to 48 hours. The team also treats anal fissures with botulinum toxin to support healing.Abdominal wall surgery highlights include:- REPA for abdominal diastasis using three small bikini-line incisions
- Robotic umbilical hernia repair with individualized mesh placement
- TAPP and TEP laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernias
- Single-site umbilical surgery for reduced scarring
For complex cases, surgeons may use botulinum toxin to relax abdominal muscles before closure.
### Robotic and Diagnostic TechnologiesThe clinic uses the **da Vinci** robotic system, including the newer **da Vinci 5** platform. This technology gives surgeons three-dimensional visualization. The system also uses **fluorescence** to locate blood vessels during operations, which reduces bleeding and increases precision during delicate tissue work.Endocrine surgery focuses on thyroid and parathyroid safety. The team uses **PTeye technology** to detect parathyroid glands via autofluorescence. This probe recognizes the specific signal of parathyroid tissue to prevent accidental removal. Surgeons also monitor the recurrent laryngeal nerve during operations to protect vocal function.### Services for International PatientsInternational patients have access to a dedicated scheduling workflow. Coordination is possible through WhatsApp to assist with travel needs. The clinic offers **urgent video consultations** for those who cannot visit in person. Second medical opinions are provided within **72 hours** through a digital two-step process.Preoperative preparation is central to the care process. The clinic provides guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and medication review before surgery. This aims to improve surgical outcomes and safety during recovery.Additional services
Patient reviews
Jorge Fernández Alonso
Camilo Sánchez
Vasi Lazar
Rosa GB
Ruber Internacional - Centro doctor Habana, P.º de La Habana, 43, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid, Spain
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How it works:
- We find a medical coordinator familiar with the matter
- You get a personal offer with a step-by-step guide and the cost estimate
- We arrange your travel including appointment scheduling and flights booking
- You arrive at the hospital, we support you 24/7



