Whipple procedure

The Whipple procedure is an operation to treat tumors and other conditions in the pancreas, small intestine and bile ducts. It involves removing the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the bile duct. The Whipple procedure is also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy. It's often used to treat pancreatic cancer that hasn't spread beyond the pancreas.

The Whipple procedure might be a treatment option for cancers or other conditions in the pancreas, bile duct, or the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. The pancreas is a vital organ that lies in the upper belly, behind the stomach. It works closely with the liver and the ducts that carry bile. The pancreas releases proteins called enzymes that help digest food. The pancreas also makes hormones that help manage blood sugar. A Whipple procedure might treat: Pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cysts. Pancreatic tumors. Pancreatitis. Ampullary cancer. Bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma. Neuroendocrine tumors. Small intestine cancer, also called small bowel cancer. Trauma to the pancreas or small intestine. Other tumors or conditions in the pancreas, duodenum or bile ducts. The goal of doing a Whipple procedure for cancer is to remove the cancer and prevent it from growing and spreading to other organs. For many of these cancers, the Whipple procedure is the only treatment that can lead to long-term survival and cure.

The Whipple procedure is a difficult operation. It has risks both during and after surgery, including: Bleeding. Infection, which can happen inside the belly or on the skin that was cut during surgery. Slow emptying of the stomach, which may make it hard for a time to eat or to keep food down. A leakage from where the pancreas or bile duct connect. Diabetes, which can be short-lived or lifelong. Research shows that it's best to have this surgery at a medical center where surgeons have done many of these operations. These centers tend to have better results and fewer complications. Be sure to ask how many Whipple procedures and other pancreatic operations your surgeon and the hospital have done. If you have doubts, get a second opinion.

Before the Whipple procedure, you meet with your surgeon and health care team to discuss what to expect before, during and after surgery, and the possible risks. Your care team talks with you and your family about how the surgery will affect your life. This is a good time to talk with your care team about any worries you might have. Sometimes, you may get treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both before a Whipple procedure or other pancreas operation. Ask your health care team about whether you need these other treatment options before or after the operation. What to expect with your operation may depend on the type of procedure you have. There are different ways to do the Whipple procedure. To make sure you get the surgery that's best for you, your surgeon considers your condition and general health. You need to be healthy enough for a difficult operation. You might need more medical tests before surgery. The Whipple procedure might be done as: Open surgery. During an open operation, a surgeon makes a cut, called an incision, through the belly to get to the pancreas. This is the most common approach. Laparoscopic surgery. This surgery also is called minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon makes several smaller cuts in the belly and puts special tools through them. The tools include a camera that sends video to a monitor in the operating room. The surgeon watches the monitor to guide the surgical tools in doing the Whipple procedure. Robotic surgery. Robotic surgery is another type of minimally invasive surgery. The surgical tools are attached to a mechanical device called a robot. The surgeon sits at a console nearby and uses hand controls to direct the robot. A surgical robot can use tools in tight spaces and around corners, where human hands might be too large to work well. Minimally invasive surgery has some benefits. They include less blood loss and a faster recovery when there are no complications. Sometimes when a procedure begins as minimally invasive surgery, complications or other issues require the surgeon to switch to open surgery to finish the operation. Before going to the hospital for surgery, tell family or friends about help you'll need from them when you get home. You will likely need help for the first couple of weeks after leaving the hospital. Talk to your care team about what you need to do during your recovery at home.