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Best Whipple Surgery Hospitals in Dhakuria

Whipple Procedure

Whipple Procedure in Dhakuria, West Bengal

PDAC (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma) is a prevalent form of pancreatic cancer that is typically treated with the Whipple technique, sometimes called Pancreatoduodenectomy, a complicated surgical treatment. This treatment is advised for tumours that can be surgically removed entirely or with little to no residual disease if they are resectable or borderline resectable. The Whipple surgery involves the removal and reconstruction of many digestive system components. This comprises the gallbladder, the head of the pancreas, and occasionally the stomach, small intestine, and bile duct. To enable regular digestion, the remaining organs are subsequently linked. As much of the surrounding healthy tissue and organs as possible are preserved as the malignant tissue is removed during this complex procedure. For patients with pancreatic cancer, the Whipple technique provides the potential for long-term survival and an enhanced quality of life, despite being an intricate and rigorous treatment. 

Manipal Hospitals, the best Whipple Surgery Hospital in Dhakuria plays a vital role in performing the Whipple Procedure, a key surgery for pancreatic cancer. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled surgical team, Manipal Hospitals delivers personalised care spanning from diagnosis to recovery. 

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

FAQ's

Whipple surgery is mostly used to treat locally located pancreatic cancer that is either borderline or resectable, indicating that it may be surgically removed with the possibility of recovery or prolonged survival. The procedure's goal is to remove the malignant tissue to eradicate the tumour and stop it from spreading to other bodily areas. Furthermore, when conservative therapies have failed or the illness poses a serious risk to the patient's health, Whipple surgery may be advised for certain benign tumours or chronic pancreatitis, two non-cancerous disorders affecting the pancreas. In certain cases, by treating the underlying cause of the pancreatic illness, surgery might reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life. 
 

Whipple Procedure is indicated when there is:

  • Presence of cancerous and non-cancerous tumours in the head of the bile duct, duodenum, and gastrointestinal tract
  • Trauma to the pancreas or duodenum

The Whipple Procedure is the only therapeutic surgery for pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, very few people survive pancreatic cancer. But with the Whipple Procedure, the chances of survival increase.

To help your digestive system repair, you might need to start with a particular low-fat and easily digestible diet. You may progressively return to a regular diet over time, but it's crucial to pay attention to your body and stay away from items that make you uncomfortable. Throughout your recovery, your healthcare team will assess your nutritional condition and give dietary suggestions.
 

Preparation for the Whipple Procedure:

  • Before a few days of the procedure, the surgeon will advise you to stop taking specific medications, like blood thinners.
  • Eat a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, and engage in gentle exercise if possible. This can help improve your overall health and recovery.
  • Generally, the protein component in the body should be optimum, and most patients are advised to have a high-protein diet four weeks prior to surgery.
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact healing and recovery. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake before surgery.
  • You might be instructed to refrain from taking any food or drink eight hours before the surgery in order to lower your chance of asphyxia while sedated. Asphyxia refers to a condition where there is a lack of oxygen supply to the body, which can occur during sedation or anaesthesia.

Like any major surgery, the Whipple operation has some risks, even though it is successful. They include bleeding, blood clots, leaks from the reconnection sites, possible infection, and changes in the digestive system. A significant consequence is pancreatic fistula, a condition in which the pancreatic fluids leak into the belly and may cause an infection or other issues. Before the treatment, your healthcare team will go over these risks in detail with you to make sure you are aware of them and ready for surgery and recovery.
 

Although recovery times vary, it often takes a few weeks to months. Following surgery, patients might need to stay in the hospital for around a week and experience fatigue, discomfort, and dietary restrictions. The digestive tract might not entirely adjust for several months, during which patients would need to adhere to a particular diet.

Following the Whipple Surgery, the following outcomes are anticipated:

  • Medication will be used to treat any pain you may feel at the location of the incision.
  • You will have constant observation during your hospital stay to look for any indications of problems.
  • To help your digestive system repair, you will first be put on a liquid diet for a few days.
  • After surgery, you could feel full and bloated and have less appetite. These are normal symptoms that should get better as you get well.
  • We will set up follow-up sessions to keep an eye on your development.

During a Whipple Procedure, you can expect the following steps:

  • A large incision will be made in your abdomen to access the organs involved in the surgery.

  • The surgeon will carefully remove the portion of your pancreas where the tumour is present, along with the small bowel surrounding it (the duodenum), the lower section of the bile duct, the gallbladder, and sometimes a part of your stomach. This extensive removal aims to ensure complete excision of the affected tissues.

  • After removing the diseased organs, the surgeon will reconstruct your digestive system. The remaining part of the pancreas and the bile duct will be reattached to your small intestine. Additionally, the small intestine will be reconnected to your stomach, allowing for the normal flow of digestive juices and food.

  • Depending on the extent of the tumour and the individual's specific condition, variations of the Whipple Procedure may be performed. For instance, in some cases, a portion of the colon may be used to reconstruct the digestive tract.

  • After the surgery, you will be closely monitored in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) before being transferred to a regular hospital room for further recovery. The recovery process can be gradual, and you may experience discomfort and fatigue in the days following the procedure.

Your ability to eat normally may be hampered immediately after the Whipple Procedure as your digestive system heals. However, most patients may gradually resume a regular diet with time and support from their healthcare team. You can begin with clear liquids and work your way up to solid foods if you can handle them. Throughout your healing process, your healthcare team will offer individualised nutritional guidance and assistance to help you manage dietary adjustments and ensure the best nutrition.
 

The Whipple Procedure is a major operation that takes 4-12 hours. During the procedure, you will be under general anaesthesia, which will make you insensitive to pain and unconscious.

Your healthcare staff will provide several pain management techniques to ease your suffering following the Whipple surgery. To help with mobility and muscular tension, this usually involves a combination of medicine, relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or meditation, and physical therapy. Following the advice of your medical team on pain management is essential to ensuring a comfortable recovery and encouraging the best possible healing.
 

Though you may be discharged from the hospital within one week, a complete recovery may take up to 2 months. In some cases, there may be a longer period of recovery.

Everybody recovers differently; however, most patients may gradually return to regular activities a few weeks to months after surgery. Your healthcare team will offer tailored advice based on your rehabilitation requirements and progress regarding whether it's safe to resume activities like driving or working out. To prevent overexertion, it's critical to gradually raise exercise levels and pay attention to your body.
 

There may be some major and minor risks associated with the procedure, which may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Clot formation
  • Leakage from the involved organs
  • Difficulty with digestion
  • Weight loss
  • Constipation

It's essential to schedule routine follow-up visits with your medical team to track your healing process and identify any indications of a cancer recurrence or any consequences. To ensure your continued health and well-being, these follow-up consultations may involve thorough physical examinations, imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, and blood tests. To address any concerns or challenges that you might run into during your recovery process, your healthcare staff will also offer continuous support and direction.
 

After surgery, feeding tubes are usually not essential. First, it is advised to follow a bland diet for a few weeks. Supplemental nutrition may help build strength and promote recovery. To make up for decreased pancreatic function, some patients might need to take enzyme supplements with their meals. A comprehensive set of dietary guidelines, including suggested supplements, is given before hospital release.
 

The head of the pancreas is removed in the Whipple Procedure. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, which is required for blood sugar control. When the pancreatic head is removed, the body will release less insulin, and the risk of developing diabetes is present. However, those with normal blood sugar levels before surgery have a very low likelihood of acquiring diabetes.

For cases with non-cancerous growths in the pancreas, there is no further treatment required. But for the cases who have pancreatic cancer may require Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy even after the surgery.

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