Whipple Surgery
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- What is Whipple Surgery?
- Possible Whipple Surgery Complications
- Who Should Have Whipple Surgery?
- Whipple Surgery After Care
- Our Cancer Hospitals
A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can be devastating. From learning about the disease and the treatment options available, to finding a treatment facility that meets your needs, a cancer of the pancreas diagnosis has a profound impact on your life, as well as the lives of those close to you. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and would like to learn more about Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), the cancers we treat, and the treatments we offer, please call us today at 1-800-615-3055. We will supply you with information about our treatment facilities and the innovative, whole-body approach to cancer treatment we take. We will take the time to understand how cancer affects you and help you determine if CTCA may be the right treatment facility for you. You can also reach us by email or by using our online chat program.
What is Whipple Surgery?
The treatments used to treat your cancer will depend on a number of factors. One of the treatments that may be suggested to you is the whipple procedure, also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Whipple surgery is the most commonly performed operation to treat pancreatic cancer. During the whipple procedure, the head, and sometimes the body of the pancreas is removed, along with the duodenum and gallbladder, part of the jejunum, stomach bile duct and lymph nodes near the pancreas. The remaining bile duct is then attached to the small intestine to allow bile from the liver to continue entering the small intestine. Whipple procedure surgery is a complicated process that requires a great deal of skill to perform. Because of the enzymes the pancreas releases, it is possible that it could digest itself, along with nearby tissues, if these enzymes were to leak out after surgery.
Possible complications that patients may experience after this procedure is performed include:
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Leaking
- Difficulty emptying the stomach after consumption
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Failure of other organs, such as the heart, kidneys and liver
Whipple surgery is also performed for conditions other than cancer, such as chronic pancreatitis or benign (noncancerous) tumors on the head of the pancreas.
Who Should Have Whipple Surgery?
Because there are potential complications associated with whipple surgery, it is important to talk with your doctor to ensure that this is the right option for you. At CTCA, we understand how difficult this decision can be. That is why your treatment team will take the time to discuss with you the benefits and risks, as well as the potential side effects, so that you can make an informed decision you are comfortable with.
Post-Whipple Surgery
Because whipple surgery is an extensive surgical procedure with potential side effects, after care is very important. From helping you to learn about and understand the potential side effects, to ensuring that you are taking the necessary steps to help prevent or manage side effects, we at CTCA are with you every step of the way. We want to make sure that everything possible is being done to improve your quality of life during this difficult time. To learn more about our integrative options for post-surgery care, please visit our Complementary Therapies section.
Our Cancer Hospitals
Our renowned cancer hospitals offer a nurturing haven—a compassionate, warm environment unlike most hospitals. We offer all of our integrative cancer therapies (conventional, as well as alternative and complementary) under one roof. To find a location near you and view photos, please visit our Our Hospitals & Clinics section.
Integrative Pancreatic Cancer Treatment at CTCA
To learn more about our comprehensive approach to cancer treatment and our cancer hospitals, please call us today at 1-800-615-3055 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Oncology Information Specialists. They'll provide you with more information about the treatment options we offer and help you determine if CTCA is the right treatment facility for you. You can also email us or discuss your treatment options online using our chat tool.
