The Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a surgical treatment primarily used for pancreatic cancer that occurs within the head of the pancreas. This complex surgery involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, most of the duodenum (a part of the small intestine), a portion of the bile duct, the gallbladder, and associated lymph nodes. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove the body of the pancreas, the entire duodenum, and a portion of the stomach. Here are some key points about the Whipple procedure:
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Purpose: The Whipple procedure is performed to remove tumors in the pancreas, bile duct, small intestine, or other related areas affected by cancer.
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Eligibility: Determining a patient’s eligibility for the Whipple procedure is not always easy, and even sophisticated imaging tests may not provide perfect information. In some cases, despite testing before surgery, the surgeon may find during the procedure that the cancer has spread or cannot be removed.
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Recovery: After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for one to two weeks. The recovery period may involve managing side effects such as delayed gastric emptying, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and a full feeling.
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Surgical Techniques: The Whipple procedure can be performed using traditional open or minimally invasive robot-assisted methods. The traditional open method requires an incision down the middle of the patient’s belly, while the minimally invasive robot-assisted method involves multiple small incisions.
The Whipple procedure is a complex and challenging surgery that offers the best chance for long-term control of various types of pancreatic cancer.
