What is the meaning of Whipple procedure?
The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) is an operation to remove the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder and the bile duct. The remaining organs are reattached to allow you to digest food normally after surgery.
Why is it called a Whipple procedure?
Formally called the pancreaticoduodenectomy, the Whipple procedure is named for the surgeon, Allen Oldfather Whipple, who refined it in the mid-1930s. It’s frequently recommended if the cancer is located in the head of the pancreas, the widest part of the fish-shaped gland in the center of your abdomen.
What are the two types of Whipple procedures?
There are two common types of Whipple procedures – the conventional Whipple and the pylorus-sparing Whipple. The conventional Whipple involves removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, and a portion of the stomach, as well as the gallbladder and a portion of the bile duct.
What is life like after a Whipple procedure?
How long does it take to recover from a Whipple procedure? Patients typically leave the hospital and go home within a week. But, for most people, it takes as long as 2 to 6 months to fully get back to a normal quality of life. Ultimately, patients should be able to do anything after surgery that they could do before.
Who performs Whipple surgery?
Specialized cancer surgeons (surgical oncologists), gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other experts provide comprehensive, individualized care for people considering or being recommended to undergo the Whipple procedure.
Is Whipple procedure open or laparoscopic?
The laparoscopic Whipple procedure is performed through small incisions in the abdominal wall. A laparoscope, a long thin tube with a lighted camera at its tip, is inserted through one incision.
Is a Whipple open or laparoscopic?
Laparoscopic option The laparoscopic Whipple procedure is performed through small incisions in the abdominal wall. A laparoscope, a long thin tube with a lighted camera at its tip, is inserted through one incision.
How many hours is Whipple surgery?
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.
Can you drink alcohol after Whipple surgery?
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.
Can I drink coffee after Whipple surgery?
The Whipple patient can enjoy coffee and tea but it should be limited to no more than 4 cups per day. Studies have shown that beverages containing caffeine cause dehydration when more than 4 cups are consumed. Whipple patients may feel full faster than they did before surgery.
Is Whipple surgery laparoscopic?
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. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two weeks following the Whipple procedure.
How long is an incision from a Whipple procedure?
A second incision site of approximately 1/4 of an inch will be used for instruments. The third incision site of approximately 3 1/2 inches will allow your surgeon’s hand to guide the operation and remove the involved portion of the pancreas.
How big is a Whipple incision?
Is Whipple surgery painful?
There is no doubt that the Whipple procedure is a painful operation. This is largely due to the extent of the organs being removed or rearranged and the proximity of the pancreas to nerves as they exit the spine at the back of the abdomen during the operation.
How much weight do you lose after Whipple?
It is normal to lose up to 5-10% of your body weight after having a Whipple procedure.
Why can’t I gain weight after Whipple surgery?
Some people have problems absorbing fat after their surgery. This may cause weight loss or make it harder for your body to absorb some vitamins. You may not be absorbing all the fats you’re eating if you’re having any of the following symptoms: Frequent bowel movements.
What type of surgeon performs the Whipple procedure?
How long do drains stay in after Whipple surgery?
Your Foley catheter is usually removed 2 days after your surgery. You may have a nasogastric (NG) tube in your nose going into your stomach. This tube drains the fluid that naturally collects in your stomach.