Whipple surgery: Purpose, Procedure, Benefits and Side Effects

The bile duct, duodenum, gall bladder, and head of the pancreas are surgically removed during the Whipple procedure. After surgery, the remaining organs are reattached to allow normal digestion.

Whipple surgery is differentiated into two distinct types-

• Classical Whipple-The pancreatic head, a portion of the stomach, the duodenum, a portion of the bile duct, and the gallbladder must all be removed.
• Pylorus-sparing pancreatoduodenectomy- This procedure spares the pyriform portion of the stomach.

Whipple surgery is done to treat various pancreatic disorders, such as-

• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Neuroendocrine tumours
• Pancreas trauma
• Pancreatic cysts
• Ampullary cancer

Summary- Pancreatic surgery is one of the best options for pancreatic diseases.

As soon as we suspect any symptoms regarding any pancreas disease, we must contact a doctor. A doctor advises Whipple surgery to treat those diseases. We must not delay the diagnosis. An early disease confirmation helps a lot in proper treatment.

Summary- We must address our symptoms to a doctor soon after experiencing them.

There are specific steps that must be taken prior to, during, and after the Whipple operation-

After Whipple surgery, we must be vigilant about our diet. We should include nutritious food in our diet to get recovered from the disorder, such as-

• Fruits
• Rice
• An ample amount of water
• Green vegetables
• Easily digestible proteins

Summary- We must include easily digestible foods to aid digestion.

There are various meals that should be avoided following surgery-

• Spicy foods
• Red meat
• Junk foods
• alcohol

Summary- Avoiding these foods will help the recovery process.

The actual recovery period is usually variable for different patients. However, patients may get discharged after two days. Some patients are retained in ICU to monitor their recovery process. Roughly, it may take 1.5 for complete recovery.

Summary- Patients may resume their normal activities for 1-1.5 months.

The cost of Whipple surgery varies to a greater extent in different parts of India. However, it usually ranges from 50,000-7 lakh rupees. Since it is a major surgery so it is generally high-priced.

Some of the possible side effects often accompanied by Whipple surgery include-

Summary- These possible adverse effects can be tackled by medication and proper care.

Whipple surgery is the best-known surgical procedure for severe pancreatic disorders. It involves the removal of certain abdominal organs and reconnection of the remaining ones. It is separated into two groups. Only an experienced surgeon should carry it out.