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Pancreatic Surgeries Whipples Procedure in Broadway

Pancreatic Surgeries Whipples Procedure

Whipples Procedure in Broadway

The pancreas, a gland involved in digestion, is susceptible to cancer. Due to the absence of early symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often recognised at an advanced stage, resulting in a low survival rate. However, if diagnosed early, the tumour can be surgically removed, followed by additional treatments.

Various surgical techniques are used to remove pancreatic tumours, depending on the tumour’s location within the pancreas. These techniques include Distal Pancreatectomy (intervention to remove the body and tail of the pancreas), Total Pancreatectomy (complete removal of the pancreas), and surgeries to remove the tumours affecting the pancreas, stomach, and nearby blood vessels. Among them, one of the notable procedures is the Whipple Procedure, also known as a Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

The Whipples Procedure in Broadway helps treat pancreatic cancer that has not spread beyond the organ. The procedure involves removing the head of the pancreas along with parts of adjacent organs such as the duodenum, bile duct, and portion of the stomach. Although the surgery is complex and carries several risks, it can be life-saving for patients with localised pancreatic cancer. 


 

FAQ's

Total Pancreatectomy is one of the treatments for pancreatic cancer where the whole pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder, part of the stomach, parts of the bile duct, spleen, and some of the surrounding lymph nodes are surgically excised.

The common reasons you would need pancreatic surgery are:

  • Severe pancreatitis

  • Pancreatic tumors or cancers

  • Pseudocyst of the pancreas

Inform your doctor about all your medications and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Follow any pre-surgical instructions advised by your doctor. If you have any concerns about the procedure, you may discuss them with your doctor.

The Whipple Procedure is considered the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer. Those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer can be treated with the following techniques:

  • Open method: A vertical incision is made in the middle of the patient's belly to facilitate the easy removal of organs.

  • Minimally invasive procedure: Multiple smaller incisions are placed on the belly to facilitate the surgery with the help of small instruments.

Following the surgery, some patients experience pain near the incision. Patients are advised to eat and drink through the mouth a few days after the surgery. Initially, while eating, the patient may notice their stomach not emptying well, causing a sensation of bloating or fullness. You will be prescribed medication to aid digestion if the discomfort is severe.

The patient's digestion and blood glucose levels will be monitored after the surgery. Depending on the patient's response to reduced or absent pancreatic function, the doctor will make the necessary modifications to your diet.

Some patients will be administered Neoadjuvant Therapy (Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, or both) before surgery to shrink the tumour and facilitate its easy removal. It is even possible for patients to be administered Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy post-surgery to kill small cancer cells that may be left behind. This ensures the recurrence of the cancer is prevented.

The main goal of Palliative surgery is not to remove the tumor but to alleviate patient symptoms. Some of the symptoms caused by bile duct or duodenum blockage can be reduced. Common Palliative procedures performed are:

  • Biliary Bypass Surgery

  • Gastric Bypass Surgery

  • Stent Placement

Pancreatic surgery helps with the removal of cancer or tumors within the pancreas. Thus increasing the patient's life expectancy. These procedures help with the removal of early-stage cancers, therefore improving the quality of life of such patients. 


You must remember that undergoing pancreatic surgery does not prevent the recurrence of cancer. Therefore, you need to schedule regular follow-ups to monitor your health status.

The most common complications involving the surgery are: 

  • Leakage of pancreatic juices from the incision

  • Bleeding

  • Infection at the surgical site

  • Clots 

  • Pneumonia

  • Heart attack

Our surgeons at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, Kolkata, are well-trained to look for complications during and after the operation and treat them effectively. 

The leakage of pancreatic fluids is a common complication that is treated by draining the fluids with a needle. Other complications, like bleeding, are managed with medications or sutures, and infections are controlled with aerobic exercise.

The recovery period varies from patient to patient and depends on the type of surgery and health status of the patients. Most patients take about 2 months to fully recover from pancreatic resection, but in rare cases, it may take up to 6 months to fully recover.

Patients are asked to eat a bland diet for several weeks after surgery. Some patients may be prescribed nutritional supplements to improve their strength and maximise the healing process. Enzyme pills may also be prescribed to restore the functions of the pancreas.

Yes, it is possible to live without the pancreas. However, you may experience adverse effects due to the lack of enzymes and hormones produced by the pancreas. As a consequence, you may have difficulties regulating blood sugar or absorbing nutrients from food. As a replacement, patients are prescribed supplements or medications post-pancreatic surgery.

The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing insulin naturally in the body. In individuals whose pancreatic organs are completely removed, there is a deficit of insulin required for blood glucose control, which makes them dependent on insulin therapy. Those with partial pancreas removal will have few insulin-secreting cells that are sufficient for insulin production.

Therefore, most pancreatic surgery patients undergoing complete removal of the pancreas will develop diabetes post-surgery. To overcome this complication, some of the insulin-producing cells can be left behind by the surgeon or implanted into the liver.

Pancreatic surgeries come with several complications and risks.

  • Redness, swelling, or tenderness at the incision site 

  • Persistent fever

  • Frequent diarrhea or constipation

  • If the pain remains constant or worsens

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor for assistance.
 

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