Whipple Procedure
Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy is a complex operation in which the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder and the bile duct are removed.
Some facts about Whipple procedure:
- Tumors and other disorders of the pancreas, intestine and bile duct can be treated by using the Whipple procedure.
- Most often this surgery is used to treat pancreatic cancer that is confined to the head of the pancreas.
- The remaining organs will be reconnected by the surgeon after the surgery to allow you to digest food normally after surgery.
- People whose pancreas, duodenum or bile duct is affected by cancer or other disorder can be treated by this procedure.
- The pancreas is a vital organ that is situated in the upper abdomen, behind your stomach and works closely with the liver and ducts that carry bile.
- Enzymes that help you digest food, especially fats and protein is released by pancreas.
- Hormones that help manage your blood sugar is also secreted by pancreas.
- Pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cysts, pancreatic tumors, pancreatitis, ampullary cancer, bile duct cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, small bowel cancer, Trauma to the pancreas or small intestine and other tumors or disorders involving the pancreas, duodenum or bile ducts are usually treated by Whipple procedure.
- The tumor can be removed and prevented from growing and spreading to other organs.
Preparation for Whipple procedure:
Several factors will be reviewed by your doctor to evaluate which approach to your surgery is best in your situation.
Some additional medical tests and optimization of some of your health conditions may be required before proceeding to surgery.
Whipple procedure may be done in various ways. These include:
Open surgery:
Open surgery is the most common approach in which an incision in your abdomen will be made by your surgeon in order to access your pancreas
Laparoscopic surgery:
Laparoscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery in which several smaller incisions will be made in your abdomen and special instruments, including a camera that transmits video to a monitor in the operating room will be inserted by your surgeon.
The monitor will be watched by the surgeon to guide the surgical tools in performing the Whipple procedure.
Robotic surgery:
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery in which the surgical tools are attached to a robot which is a mechanical device.
The surgeon sits at a console nearby and uses hand controls to direct the robot.
Tools can be used in tight spaces and around corners by a surgical robot, where human hands may be too large to be effective.
Procedure for Whipple surgery:
- An intravenous (IV) line is put into a vein, usually in your arm before your surgery to inject fluid and medication into your veins as needed.
- You may also given some medication to help you relax if you are nervous.
- Placement of an epidural catheter or a spinal injection in addition to local nerve blocks to the abdominal wall may also be done so that you can recover with minimal pain and discomfort after surgery.
- It also help decrease the amount of narcotic pain medication you will need.
- Surgery may take 4 to 12 hours, depending on the type of approach used and the complexity of the operation.
- General anesthesia will be used in Whipple surgery, so you will be asleep and unaware during the operation.
- An incision will be made in your abdomen to access your internal organs
- The location and size of your incision varies according to the type of approach and your particular situation.
- The head of the pancreas, the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder and the bile duct will be removed
- Removing a portion of the stomach or the nearby lymph nodes is also involved in certain situations.
- Other types of pancreatic operations may also be performed depending on your situation.
- The remaining parts of your pancreas, stomach and intestines will be reconnected after the procedure to allow you to digest food normally.
