Whipple surgery, also called pancreatoduodenectomy, is the surgery of choice for the resectable and the borderline resectable pancreatic duct cancers.
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Dr. Abhishek YadavWhipple surgery, also called pancreatoduodenectomy, is the surgery of choice for the resectable and the borderline resectable pancreatic duct cancers. One of the major surgeries carried out in tertiary care facilities is the Whipple procedure. Surgeons face great challenges during this surgical procedure because of the complicated and challenging abdominal dissection and digestion system repair. This procedure was once a multi-step procedure and was associated with higher rates of complications and deaths due to its complex nature. However, it is now being practiced minimally invasively with a death rate of less than 5%. The evolution of Whipple surgery due to groundbreaking and innovative work of experts in the field of surgery has led to the enhanced overall outcomes with respect to operative ease and survival rate.
Both the open technique and the laparoscopic method can be used to perform this surgery. However, studies suggest that the laparoscopic approach is linked to better lymph node dissection, a shorter length of hospital stay, and less blood loss. Considering the elevated risk of complications linked to this procedure, it is essential to provide more attentive postoperative care. A high degree of suspicion and prompt identification of postoperative complications are essential to the patient's care.
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Whipple procedureAnother name for the Whipple procedure is a pancreaticoduodenectomy. If pancreatic cancer hasn't progressed beyond the pancreas, then this surgery is often used for this cancer treatment. Tumors and certain other diseases of the pancreas, small intestine, and bile ducts can be treated with this procedure.
The pancreatic head, the gallbladder, the bile duct, and the first segment of the small intestine are removed during the procedure. After surgery, the remaining organs are reconnected to facilitate the passage of food through the digestive system.
This is an intricate surgery associated with significant risks of complications. But it is often opted to save the lives of patients.
CONTACT USThe most common reason why the surgeons perform this procedure is pancreatic cancer. However, depending upon the circumstances, it can also be opted for the treatment of following diseases:
CONTACT USWhipple surgery can be performed with following approaches:
An incision is made by the surgeon through the abdomen to access the pancreas during an open procedure. This is the most commonly opted method. In certain cases, when starting a minimally invasive procedure, the doctor may opt for open surgery later to complete the procedure due to complications or other problems.
There are various advantages of minimally invasive surgery, including lesser complications, reduced blood loss, and rapid recovery:
Before undergoing surgery, cancer patients may receive chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Your doctor will give you instructions on which medications to stop taking prior to surgery. You may also be advised for following:
Up to one-third of patients undergoing the Whipple procedure experience the following side effects:
The chances of surviving pancreatic cancer for the long term are increased by Whipple surgery. Unfortunately, the prognosis for pancreatic cancer is poor. The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients is only 8.5%. The chances rise to 25% in patients who undergo Whipple procedure.
The last few decades have seen a significant improvement in the Whipple procedure's survival rate. Between 5% and 15% of patients who underwent the Whipple procedure thirty years ago passed away due to complications. Currently, the death rate ranges from 1% to 3% only.
Pancreatic cancer patients now have hope owing to the Whipple procedure. The life expectancy and quality may improve if the tumor is removed. The surgical expertise of the doctor in performing this surgery is of prime importance in making this surgery a success. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be extremely upsetting. The good news is that you may live longer after a Whipple procedure.
A: Following a Whipple procedure, patients with non-pancreatic cancers can anticipate a normal prognosis. Whipple surgery after pancreatic cancer has a 20% to 25% five-year survival rate.
A: The Whipple procedure can save lives despite having a high risk of complications. The lowest rate of mortality and complications occurs when a skilled surgeon performs the procedure.
A: Whipple procedures are difficult for several reasons, not just the fact that so many different organs are involved in the process. The pancreas is situated deep in the center of the abdomen, which makes it a very challenging location.
