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Individuals who are afflicted with pancreatic cancer might be advised to have the tumour removed through a surgical procedure called the Whipple procedure. This whipple treatment in Broadway, which can span about 6 hours, involves removing the head of the pancreas along with the duodenum, gall bladder and a portion of the stomach. It's usually an open surgical procedure, with the inpatient requiring a week's stay at the hospital for recovery.
What is the pancreas, and what is its function?
The pancreas is an important organ located in the abdomen. It is an elongated fish-like organ with a head section that connects to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine that also connects to the stomach. The pancreas secretes hormones such as insulin which controls blood sugar levels and helps with the digestion of fats and proteins.
What is the Whipple procedure?
The Whipple procedure is done to remove cancerous tumours that occur on the head of the pancreas. The procedure is done to stop the tumour from metastasising (spreading to other organs). While the most common reason for performing the procedure is pancreatic cancer, it is also performed for,
Pancreatitis
Pancreatic cysts
Small bowel cancer
Trauma to the pancreas or small intestine
Bile duct cancer
Ampullary cancer
What happens during the procedure?
Your surgeon will assess various factors that determine the best approach to the procedure. It can be performed both as an open surgery or a laparoscopic surgery, depending on your health and medical tests.
The procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen to access the internal organs. The surgeon then removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, gall bladder and bile duct. In other situations, a part of the stomach may also be removed along with the surrounding lymph nodes. The remaining parts of the pancreas are then connected to the stomach and small intestine.
What are the risks associated with Whipple Procedure?
Since it is a major surgical procedure, people sometimes develop complications because of infections. Following the surgery, you will have to recover in the hospital for about a week, where you are monitored for complications.
Recovery and Results
After discharge from the hospital, you can continue your recovery at home while carefully watching for symptoms of infection. Most people can return to a normal life four to six weeks after the surgery. Whipple procedure improves the chances of survival for people with pancreatic cancer and is the only known cure for most tumours of the pancreas. Consult with a team of specialists at Manipal Hospitals now.
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