What is a Whipple in medical terms? A Whipple procedure — also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy — is a complex operation to remove the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder and the bile duct. The Whipple procedure is used to treat tumors and other disorders of the pancreas, intestine and bile duct.
What is the average life expectancy after a Whipple procedure? Overall, the five-year survival rate after a Whipple procedure is about 20 to 25%. Even if the procedure successfully removes the visible tumor, it’s possible that some cancer cells have already spread elsewhere in the body, where they can form new tumors and eventually cause death.
Who is a good candidate for Whipple surgery? For pancreatic cancer, specifically, the Whipple procedure is considered only for tumors that have not metastasized (spread) to other structures. An individual with tumors of the pancreatic head that have not spread are a typical candidate for the Whipple procedure.
What are the long term side effects of the Whipple procedure? After a Pancreaticoduodenectomy
But a Whipple procedure is a very complex operation that often causes major changes to the digestive system. This can translate into some serious long-term effects, including abdominal discomfort, weight loss, digestive problems, and chronic fatigue.
What is a Whipple in medical terms? – Related Questions
Is the Whipple procedure only for cancer?
The Whipple procedure is the only known cure for pancreatic cancer and is usually performed on patients with cancer that has not spread beyond the pancreas.
Is the Whipple procedure worth it?
The Whipple procedure is a difficult and demanding operation and can have serious risks. However, this surgery is often lifesaving, particularly for people with cancer.
How painful is Whipple surgery?
Following the surgery, you may experience pain from the incision. You can resume eating and drinking by mouth several days after surgery. At first, the stomach may not empty well, causing a bloated or full feeling. In some cases, medication is necessary to help your digestive system work properly.
Is there an alternative to the Whipple procedure?
Based on this experience, I believe that the duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection and the Frey procedure both offer better alternatives than the Whipple operation for patients with benign disease.
Which hospital does the most Whipple procedures?
Mayo Clinic surgeons are specially trained to provide you with the best care, and they perform over 450 Whipple procedures and related surgeries each year.
How much weight do you lose after Whipple surgery?
Weight Loss
It is normal to lose up to 5-10% of your body weight after having a Whipple procedure. If you are continuing to lose weight exceeding 5-10% of your pre-surgery weight, consult a registered dietitian for recommendations on increasing your calorie intake.
What is a Whipple diet?
Focus on eating enough protein, as this will help the body to recover after the surgery. Avoid foods high in insoluble fiber, such as whole grains, as many find them hard to digest immediately after surgery. Until your system settles down, eat “white” foods, such as white rice, pasta, bread, and crackers.
What actually kills you with pancreatic cancer?
If a person can live without a fully functional pancreas, then what, ultimately, kills most pancreatic cancer patients? When most patients die of pancreatic cancer, they die of liver failure from their liver being taken over by tumor.
What is the life expectancy after a Whipple procedure without cancer?
Without surgery, average life expectancy after diagnosis is about one year. Following surgery, with careful monitoring and follow-up, life expectancy may exceed two years.
Can cancer come back after Whipple surgery?
A recent review study of >1700 patients who had a Whipple’s operation (the cancer operation that is performed to remove the head of pancreas) and found that whilst the majority of patients had cancer recurrence in distant sites (like the liver) that would not be affected by how the operation was performed, 12% of
How many hours does Whipple surgery take?
In some cases, the surgeon may remove the body of the pancreas, the entire duodenum and a portion of the stomach. On average, the surgery takes six hours to complete.
Do you need chemo after Whipple surgery?
You should be offered chemotherapy after surgery (such as the Whipple’s procedure) to try to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back. Gemcitabine with capecitabine (GemCap) is used most often after surgery.
How long did Steve Jobs live after Whipple surgery?
After a delay of nine months after diagnosis, in 2004, Jobs opted for surgery. He died 7 years later. There has been widespread speculation about whether Jobs’ decision to use CAM approaches hastened his death by postponing initiation of potentially life-prolonging conventional treatments (Grady, 2011).
How do you eat after Whipple surgery?
Eat small, frequent meals (5 to 6 meals per day). After surgery, you will feel full quickly and will be able to eat only small amounts at a time. Stop eating when you feel full. Eat slowly and chew your foods very well.
What happens after a Whipple procedure?
Things to expect post-surgery are: You will not have anything to eat for the first few days so your reconstructed digestive system can heal. You will awaken with a nasal tube in your stomach to be used to remove any contents, such as saliva. You will be asked to begin walking the first day after your surgery.
How serious is pancreas surgery?
It carries a relatively high risk of complications that can be life threatening. When the operation is done in small hospitals or by doctors with less experience, as many as 15% of patients may die as a result of surgical complications.
How serious is pancreatitis surgery?
Up to half of patients develop serious complications and 2 to 4 percent do not survive the procedure — one of the highest mortality rates for any operation. One common complication is leakage of fluid from the pancreas after the surgery, often in large amounts that can cause an abscess and lead to infection and sepsis.
Why would you need surgery on your pancreas?
Conditions that may require pancreatic surgery include: Pancreatic cysts, some of which may become cancers, if neglected. Chronic pancreatitis, or complications of longstanding inflammation. Pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, a less common form of cancer which arises from the hormone-secreting cells.
Does the pancreas grow back after surgery?
We conclude that the human pancreas does not regenerate after partial anatomic (50%) resection.
How painful is pancreatic surgery?
It is normal to experience pain after pancreas surgery. While in the hospital, you will be able to manage your pain with intravenous pain medication. Once you are at home, you will manage your pain with oral medications prescribed by your health care team.
Can you drink alcohol after Whipple procedure?
If you drink alcohol regularly, you may be at risk for other complications during and after your surgery. These include bleeding, infections, heart problems, and a longer hospital stay.
