Pancreatic Cancer Whipple Procedure
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Video: Whipple Surgery
Dr. Edgar Staren and Dr. Steven Standiford explain why whipple surgery is a good option for some pancreatic cancer patients.Whipple Procedure
CTCA surgical oncologists Dr. Edgar Staren and Dr. Steven Standiford discuss the complexities of the Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer.
Whipple Procedure for Pancreatic Cancer
If the tumor is contained entirely within the pancreas and appears as though it can be removed, a Whipple procedure may be the most appropriate treatment option for you. Whipple surgery (also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy) is a common type of surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Although it is a common pancreatic cancer surgery, the Whipple procedure is a complicated surgery that requires a great deal of skill to perform. Fortunately, the surgical oncologists at CTCA have extensive experience in performing Whipple procedures.
The goal of Whipple surgery is to remove cancer in the head of the pancreas or bile ducts. In the procedure, your surgical oncologist will remove the cancerous tissue; resect a portion of the pancreas, bile duct, small intestine and stomach, as well as perform immediate reconstruction.
Sometimes, your oncologists will use intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in combination with a Whipple procedure. With IORT, you receive a single, powerful dose of radiation directly to the tumor site during the procedure. This helps to minimize side effects, spare healthy tissues and reduce treatment times.
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