My husband has PC. He is 77 years old and has decided against chemo , had a whipple where all that could be done was removal of gall bladder. He has started secreting an oily substance at night, which has a strong smell. What could this be?

Hi, Anon.

Thanks for reaching out today.

I would call your doctor, as we cannot diagnose this issue, but this is what I was able to find. I know you said your husband had only his gallbladder removed.

*Mal-absorption. The pancreas produces enzymes required for digestion of food. In some patients, removal of part of the pancreas during the Whipple operation can lead to a diminished production of these enzymes. Patients complain of bulky diarrhea type of stool that is very oily.*

More info here: http://www.surgery.usc.edu/divisions/tumor/pancreasdiseases/web%20pages/pancreas%20resection/whipple%20operation.html

I wish your husband all the best.

Helena