Whipple Procedure | A Hope in the Fight Against Cancer

When your doctor tells you or someone close to you that you need to have a Whipple Procedure, it's normal to feel a little scared and nervous. This is a major, complicated surgery. But it's the best solution and a great hope for many serious diseases, such as pancreatic cancer. So today, let's talk about this very simply, so that all your questions will be cleared up.

What is the Whipple Procedure?

Simply put, a Whipple procedure is a surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in the head of your pancreas, which is on the right side. The reason it's a bit complicated is because it doesn't just remove a single organ.

Think about it, our digestive system is a collection of organs that work together. When there is a problem in one part, it affects the other parts that are connected to it. Similarly, when cancer develops in the head of the pancreas, some of the organs that are closest to it have to be removed.

The main parts removed during this surgery are:

• Head of the pancreas
• The first part of your small intestine, the duodenum
• Part of the bile duct
• Complete gallbladder

Then, the surgeon takes the remaining pancreas, bile duct, and stomach and reconnects them to the rest of the small intestine. Much like when building a road, they remove an old bridge and put in a new one to reconnect the roads. This reconnection allows the food you eat to move through your digestive system without any obstructions.

Another name doctors use for this surgery is `pancreaticoduodenectomy.` It's a bit of a difficult word, which is why we all call it the `Whipple procedure.`

What types of conditions is this surgery performed for?

Pancreatic cancer is the main reason for this surgery. However, this surgery is also used as a treatment for several other conditions. Let's take a look at what they are.

How should I prepare before surgery?

There is a bit of preparation before a major surgery like this. Your doctor will explain all of this to you, but these are the things you will usually be asked to do:

• Cancer treatment: If you have cancer, you may be given several rounds of chemotherapy before surgery.
• Fasting: You should completely abstain from eating or drinking for about 8 hours before the surgery.
• Smoking: If you smoke, quitting at least two weeks before surgery is very good for the health of your heart and lungs. It will greatly reduce the risk of complications after surgery.
• Stopping Medications: Your doctor will advise you to stop taking certain medications (especially blood thinners) a few days before your surgery.
• Other medications: If you are taking any herbal or herbal supplements, you may need to stop taking them a week or two before your surgery. Medications like Viagra® should also be stopped 24 hours before. However, your doctor may tell you to take some medications for high blood pressure with a glass of water.

It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

Let's learn a little about how the surgery is performed?

First, the doctor who anesthetizes you will give you anesthetic drugs. So you will sleep soundly until the surgery is over.

Then, the surgeon begins the operation by making a large incision in the abdomen (open surgery) or several small incisions with the help of a camera (laparoscopic/robotic surgery).

During the surgery, as we discussed earlier, the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, part of the bile duct, and the gallbladder are removed in order. Then, the remaining parts of the organ are reconnected to restore the digestive tract.

The entire process can take between 5 and 8 hours . This is because this is a somewhat complex and delicate surgery.

What happens after the surgery? How is the recovery time?

Since Whipple surgery is a major operation, it takes some time to recover.

During your stay in the hospital:

• You will have to stay in the hospital for between 5 and 7 days.
• Medication is provided to control the pain.
• The medical team is constantly checking for infections or other complications.
• For the first few days, you will be given only a clear liquid diet, and as your condition improves, you will gradually begin to give solid foods.
• Getting out of bed and walking as soon as you can is very important for the healing process. But don't try to get up on your own, as you could fall, so be sure to get help from a nurse or physiotherapist.

Typically, if there are no complications, you will be able to resume your normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks .

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

Like any major surgery, the Whipple procedure has its benefits and risks. It is important to discuss these openly with your doctor.

When do you need to talk to the doctor?

After you go home, it is essential to contact your surgical team without delay if you notice any warning signs.

If you see anything like this, notify your doctor immediately:

• If your stitches have come loose or the incision has opened.
• If you have a fever .
• If the area around the incision is red, swollen, feels warm, or has pus-like fluid coming out.
• If the pain from the incision is getting worse.
• If your bowel movements are irregular.

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