Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a major surgical procedure that involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, a portion of the stomach, and other nearby tissues. It is also known as the Whipple procedure, named after the American surgeon Allen Whipple who refined the procedure in the 1930s.

Indications

The primary indication for a pancreaticoduodenectomy is pancreatic cancer. It may also be performed for other conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, duodenal cancer, and ampullary cancer.

Procedure

The procedure involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, a portion of the stomach (distal 1/3), the gallbladder, part of the bile duct, and the surrounding lymph nodes. The remaining pancreas, bile duct, and stomach are then reconnected to the small intestine to allow for digestion.

Risks and Complications

Like all major surgical procedures, pancreaticoduodenectomy carries risks and potential complications. These include bleeding, infection, leakage from the reconnected organs, diabetes, and malnutrition due to reduced pancreatic function.

Recovery

Recovery from a pancreaticoduodenectomy can be a lengthy process. Patients typically stay in the hospital for one to two weeks following the procedure, and full recovery can take several months. During this time, patients may require nutritional support and pain management.

See Also

• Pancreas
• Pancreatic cancer
• Duodenum
• Stomach
• Gallbladder
• Bile duct
• Lymph nodes

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  Diagram showing how the pancreas and bowel is joined back together after a Whipple's operation

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  Diagram showing the parts removed with a Whipple's operation

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  Pancreaticoduodenectomy