The Whipple procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, accounts for approximately 60% of all pancreatic surgeries, emphasizing its pivotal role in treating pancreatic cancer.
If you have pancreatic cancer, your chance of survival with the Whipple procedure will increase if your cancer has not spread to organs beyond the pancreas.
Your battle against a pancreatic tumor can be a challenging journey and there are lot of information you need to have before you make the final decision to go for the surgery.
Let us know some details about the surgical technique and find out the best treatment and comprehensive care.
What is Whipple Procedure?
The Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a surgical procedure primarily used to treat tumors in the head of the pancreas. It involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine (duodenum), a portion of the bile duct, the gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach.
It is considered a complex and major surgery, often used to treat pancreatic cancer that has not spread beyond the pancreas.
Survival Rate of the Whipple Procedure
Pancreatic cancer is known for its poor survival rate, with only about 6% of patients living five years after diagnosis due to its tendency to grow and spread before causing symptoms. However, for some patients, the Whipple procedure may extend life and potentially cure the cancer.
Those who undergo a successful Whipple procedure may have a five-year survival rate of up to 25%. This surgery may be the only way to extend life and potentially cure cancer for people with cancer in the pancreas or nearby organs.
Preparing for a Whipple Procedure
In preparation, you will have a preoperative meeting with your surgeon to discuss the upcoming steps. This is an opportune time to address any concerns and inquire about the potential impact of the procedure on your daily life.
If you have cancer, you may require radiation or chemotherapy treatment before the operation. Before the scheduled Whipple procedure, you must discontinue certain medications and herbal supplements, as advised by your doctor.
The day before your hospital admission, you may be required to:
- Refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours before the scheduled time.
- Take your blood pressure medication with a small sip of water.
- Ensure that you have arranged for transportation home from the hospital, preferably with a friend or family member.
Upon your arrival at the hospital, the doctor will administer a numbing drug into your spine, known as an epidural catheter, to alleviate post-surgery pain.
The Whipple Procedure: Surgical Process
The Whipple procedure can be performed through various methods, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries.
The open approach typically involves a single long incision in the abdomen to access the pancreas and nearby organs. In contrast, laparoscopic surgery utilizes several small incisions, with a camera guiding the surgeon’s actions, and robotic surgery involves using a surgical “robot” controlled by the surgeon through a console and camera.
Compared to open surgery, minimally invasive procedures may result in less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, a quicker recovery, and fewer complications.
The key steps of the Whipple procedure include:
1. Accessing the Pancreas
The surgeon makes a large incision or several small incisions in the abdomen to reach the pancreas.
2. Tumor Removal
The cancerous or damaged part of the pancreas, along with the nearby small bowel (duodenum), the lower part of the bile duct, the gallbladder, and possibly a portion of the stomach, is removed.
3. Reconnection
The surgeon reconnects the pancreas and bile duct to the small intestine, allowing for the normal flow of digestive contents.
4. Restoration of Digestive Function
The stomach and small intestine are reattached to enable the normal passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract post-surgery.
Complications Related to Whipple Surgery
After undergoing a Whipple procedure, approximately one in three individuals experience postoperative complications, ranging from mild to severe. One common occurrence following the procedure is the development of false channels (fistulas) and leakage from the site of bowel reconnection.
Other possible surgical complications include
1. Weight Loss
Many individuals may experience weight loss post-surgery due to altered calorie digestion and absorption.
2. Diabetes
Removal of a significant portion of the pancreas may impact insulin production, potentially affecting blood sugar control. However, if you have normal blood sugar before surgery you are less likely to develop diabetes, and if you recently developed diabetes before surgery you may even see an improvement in your condition.
3. Malabsorption
Insufficient digestive enzymes from the pancreas can lead to difficulties in absorbing fats, sugars, or other nutrients from food, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or increased bowel movements.
4. Lactose Intolerance
Some individuals may experience difficulty digesting lactose after the surgery, which may improve over time.
Role of MedicoExperts in Whipple Surgery Pre and Post-operative Care
MedicoExperts play a crucial role in the Whipple procedure, offering specialized care and expertize in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and other related digestive system conditions. These medical professionals are instrumental in providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the entire process, from initial consultation to postoperative care.
MedicoExperts assist in identifying suitable candidates for the Whipple procedure through intensive testing and evaluation, ensuring that patients meet the necessary criteria for the surgery. They work closely with patients to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, helping them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
The expertise of MedicoExperts extends to the performance of the Whipple procedure itself, with specialized surgeons in pancreatic and gastrointestinal surgeries typically leading the surgical team. These highly skilled professionals are adept at performing intricate and complex surgeries, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing the procedure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Whipple procedure plays a critical role in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, offering hope for patients by potentially extending life and providing the possibility of a cure. It involves the intricate surgical removal of affected organs and tissues, demanding a significant recovery period and posing potential postoperative complications such as weight loss, diabetes, malabsorption, and lactose intolerance.
Throughout the entire process, MedicoExperts, including specialized surgeons and multidisciplinary medical professionals, play a pivotal role. They guide you through the selection process, provide specialized surgical expertise, and deliver comprehensive support in the preparation and recovery phases, ensuring the best possible outcomes for you.
FAQ
Q1. What is the life expectancy after a Whipple procedure?
If you get operated from centers recommended by MedicoExperts, the immediate death rate can be as less as 1%.
Q2. Is pancreatic cancer curable with Whipple surgery?
Pancreatic cancer which has not spread beyond the pancreas is curable with Whipple Surgery.
Q3. Is Whipple a high-risk surgery?
Whipple Surgery is a high-risk surgery with chances of internal bleeding and infection.
Q4. Do you need chemo after a Whipple?
Chemotherapy is generally administered after Whipple to prevent cancer from coming back.
