Improving Quality of Life and Procedures for Pancreatic Cancer with Dr. Tejada

Juan Tejada, MD, a specialist in advanced gastroenterology, recently performed a groundbreaking minimally invasive procedure that could dramatically improve quality of life for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Up to 80% of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer experience trouble eating due to tumor-related blockages of the small intestine.
Information provided by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

You recently completed a new procedure that can greatly impact patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Can you tell us about it and how it works?

“This procedure is called a gastrojejunostomy, and it’s designed for patients whose pancreatic tumor blocks their small intestine and prevents food from passing through. We use an endoscope to bypass that blockage by creating a new connection from the stomach to the small bowel, past the tumor. What’s exciting is that we’re doing it endoscopically—no open surgery, no large incisions. It’s less invasive, recovery is quicker, and patients can eat again.”

A gastrojejunostomy can help patients by: 

• Restores the ability to eat and enjoy food
• Improves nutrition and energy levels
• Avoids the need for feeding tubes
• Reduces pain and recovery time compared to open surgery
• Lower risk of complications

Why is this such an important option for patients who are unable to eat due to tumor pressure on the small bowel?

“When someone with advanced pancreatic cancer can’t eat, it takes a serious toll—not just physically, but emotionally too. Nutrition, energy levels, and dignity all matter. This procedure gives people back a basic human need: the ability to eat and enjoy food. That’s a huge win for quality of life, especially in patients who may be facing a very difficult diagnosis.”

Traditionally, this requires open surgery or feeding tubes. What sets this new endoscopic approach apart?

“Before, these patients were often looking at a feeding tube or a big surgical procedure with a longer recovery time. The endoscopic method is a game-changer. It’s safer for many patients, and it gets them back to a place of normalcy faster. Not every hospital can offer this. So yes, I’m really proud to be able to offer this, to have the tools with Memorial Health System, and a team helping to provide this care.”

What does recovery typically look like for patients who receive this procedure?

“For most patients, recovery is relatively quick. We usually keep them for observation, but many are able to start sipping liquids within a day. And soon after, they’re eating again—real food. Compared to traditional surgery, we’re talking about less pain, less downtime, and fewer complications. It’s a big difference.”

What does it mean for patients and families in our region to have this level of care available at Memorial Health System?

“It means they don’t have to travel to a big city to get high-level, innovative GI care. We can do this right here close to home, close to family, and close to their already established care while dealing with cancer. That’s a huge relief for patients who are already going through so much. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about comfort, support, and dignity.”

If someone is facing a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, how can they learn if this procedure might be an option for them?

“Start by having a conversation with your care team. Every case is different, but if a tumor is causing a blockage, we want to explore every option to help. That’s what we’re here for.”

Learn more about Dr. Tejada at mhsystem.org/JTejada or the Department of Gastroenterology at mhsystem.org/Gastro.

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