Whipple Surgery
Whipple Surgery
Whipple surgery is a complex and delicate operation that is used to treat pancreatic cancer. The pancreas head, duodenum, a portion of the stomach, and the gallbladder are all removed during the surgery. The surgeon then reconstructs the digestive system using a section of the small intestine.
Whipple surgery is a high-risk procedure, but it offers the best chance for a cure for pancreatic cancer. The surgery has a high success rate when performed by an experienced surgeon, and the patient’s prognosis is generally good.
The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach that manufactures digestive enzymes and hormones. Pancreatic cancer is a relatively vicious form of cancer that is frequently difficult to treat.
Whipple surgery is a complex procedure that involves the removal of the pancreas head, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and, in some cases, the stomach.
The surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, which means that the surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen and inserts thin, long instruments through these incisions.
Whipple surgery is a major procedure with the potential for serious complications such as infection, bleeding, and pancreatitis.
What Is a Whipple Procedure?
The Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a difficult procedure that involves removing the pancreatic head, duodenum, gallbladder, and bile duct.
The Whipple procedure is used to treat tumors as well as conditions of the bile duct, intestine, and pancreas. The procedure is most frequently used to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread only to the head of the pancreas.
Your surgeon performs the Whipple procedure and then reconnects the remaining organs so that you can resume normal digestion after surgery.
Who Is Eligible?
The Whipple Surgery procedure is a complex and invasive procedure reserved for patients with pancreatic cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body.
In order to be eligible for the Whipple surgery, patients must first undergo a number of tests and evaluations to ensure that they are healthy enough to withstand the surgery and that cancer has not spread.
Candidates for the Whipple surgery must be in generally good health and have a life expectancy of at least five years. They must also be able to undergo a lengthy and complex surgery, as well as the necessary follow-up care.
Whipple surgery is not a cure for pancreatic cancer, but it can greatly improve the patient’s prognosis and quality of life. only a small number of patients are eligible for this surgery, but it can be truly life-changing.
In order to be eligible for Whipple surgery, you must have a tumor confined to the head of the pancreas and not too large. The tumor must also be surrounded by healthy tissue. In addition, you must be healthy enough to tolerate the surgery and have a life expectancy of at least five years.
If you meet all of the above criteria, you may be a candidate for Whipple surgery. This surgery is often successful in treating pancreatic cancer, but it is not without risks.
Complications from the surgery can include infection, bleeding, and pancreatitis. You should talk to your doctor about all the risks and benefits of Whipple surgery before making a decision.
Your one-stop solution for Whipple Surgery
Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad is a well-trained cancer surgeon. He has over two decades of clinical experience and has previously worked with some of India’s top hospitals. He is skilled and has 21 years of experience in some of the most advanced Whipple surgery.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Your doctor may discuss additional pancreatic operations with you, depending on your circumstances. If necessary, get a second opinion from a skilled surgeon. Options consist of:
Surgery to remove tumors or treat conditions in the pancreas body and tail. Distal pancreatectomy refers to the surgical procedure used to remove the pancreas’ left side (body and tail). Your surgeon might also need to remove your spleen during this procedure.
Complete pancreas removal through surgery. It is referred to as a total pancreatectomy. Without a pancreas, you can lead a reasonably normal life, but you’ll require lifelong insulin and enzyme replacement.
Surgery to treat tumors that are close to blood vessels. If their tumors involve nearby blood vessels, many patients are not considered candidates for the Whipple procedure or other pancreatic surgeries.
Only a small number of medical facilities in Delhi NCR will safely perform these procedures on a select few patients. Additionally, blood vessel fragments are removed and rebuilt during the procedures.
What Happens After Surgery?
Often these patients can go home immediately after being released from the hospital to continue their recovery. For monitoring and follow-up visits, some people are asked to stay close by for a few days.
A brief stay in a facility with specialized rehabilitation services may be necessary for older adults and those with serious health issues. If you are worried about recovering at home, talk to your surgeon and the rest of the team.
Four to six weeks after surgery, the majority of patients are able to resume their regular routines. Your physical health prior to surgery and the complexity of your procedure may affect how long you take to recover.
Long-Term Effects Of Whipple Surgery
The probability of long-term survival following a Whipple procedure depends on your specific circumstances. The Whipple procedure is currently the only known treatment for the majority of pancreatic tumors and cancers.
If you experience stress, worry, or depression, speak with your treatment team, family, and friends. Talking about how you’re feeling can be beneficial. You might want to think about getting involved in a Whipple procedure support group or speaking with a licensed counselor.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How is the Whipple procedure performed?
The Whipple procedure is carried out using one of the following surgical techniques: The traditional open method necessitates a belly button incision. Patients usually spend seven to ten days in the hospital recovering. Multiple small incisions are required for the minimally invasive robot-assisted procedure. This could mean a shorter hospital stay as well as less pain and scarring. The Whipple procedure, whether open or robotic, necessitates extensive surgical training and exceptional technical skills.
What should I expect on the day of my Whipple procedure?
The surgeon and anesthesiologist meet with you and your family in the preoperative holding area prior to your operation to answer any last-minute questions. The anesthesia team transports you to the operating room and sedates you with intravenous (IV) medications. The anesthesiologist will also insert a breathing tube so that you can receive oxygen during the procedure. After you are asleep, the surgical team inserts special IV lines, a bladder catheter, and a stomach tube (through your nose). The majority of patients awake with a small tube in their nose to drain the stomach (after open surgery), an abdominal drain, and a tube to drain the bladder. Almost always, these tubes are removed before the patient leaves the hospital.
After having the Whipple procedure, how will I feel?
You might experience pain from the incision after the procedure. A few days after surgery, you can start eating and drinking again. At first, the stomach might not empty completely, leaving you feeling bloated or full. Your digestive system may occasionally need medication to function properly. It might take a few weeks for your decreased appetite to return.
How will you handle my pain?
Patients may elect to have a temporary regional anesthesia block, which reduces the need for narcotic pain medication for the first 12 to 18 hours after surgery. Initially, postsurgical pain is managed with an epidural (spinal) catheter or a patient-controlled IV pain pump. Pain medicine specialists see hospitalized patients on a daily basis and collaborate with your nurses and surgeons to manage your pain. Medications can be taken orally once eating is resumed. Patients are discharged from the hospital with a limited supply of the appropriate pain medication.
When will I be able to resume my normal activities?
It is critical to get out of bed and start walking the day after your surgery. You should avoid strenuous physical activity and lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk for at least two months after your surgery. Before driving, working, or engaging in sexual activity, please consult with your surgeon.
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About
Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad
GI & HPB Surgical Oncologist
MBBS, MS, FMAS, FIAGES, FAIS, FALS, FACS (USA), GI & HPB Oncology (TMH, Mumbai), HPB Oncology (MSKCC, New York)
Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad is a reputed and exceptional Gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary (GI & HPB) cancers surgeon. Dr. Vinay specializes in Advanced Minimal Access Surgery and HIPEC. He also has expertise in Pancreatic and Liver Cancer Surgery, Laparoscopic Colorectal and Upper GI Cancer Surgery and Neuroendocrine Tumours, to list a few. He has undergone specialsed training in Advanced Minimally Invasive Upper GI Surgery, IRCAD at Taiwan and has also gone through a dedicated Certified 2 year fellowship in GI and HPB Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. Over the years he has successfully handled numerous complex cancer surgery cases. India.
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