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Best Whipple Surgery Hospitals in Dhakuria

Whipple Procedure

Best Whipple Surgery Hospital in Dhakuria

The Whipple Procedure, also known as Pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex surgical procedure used to treat pancreatic cancer, tumours of the ampulla of Vater, chronic pancreatitis, and other conditions affecting the pancreas, bile duct, and duodenum. 

During the Whipple Procedure, the surgeon meticulously removes the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder, and a portion of the bile duct. This extensive surgery aims to eliminate diseased tissues and restore normal function to the digestive system. This procedure offers benefits such as tumour removal, symptom relief for pancreatic disorders, preservation of digestive function, and improved quality of life.

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FAQ's

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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