PROCEDURES
Whipple's Procedure
Whipple’s procedure or pancreaticoduodenectomy is performed to treat pancreatic cancer. For this type of surgery, the hepato-pancreaticobiliary surgeon removes the pancreatic head, the entire duodenum, part of the stomach and some bile duct, gallbladder and nearby lymph nodes. A tumour in the pancreatic head needs to be removed to prevent the spread of pancreatic cancer. Whipple’s procedure is the most widespread surgery to control pancreatic cancer when situated in the head part.
PROCEDURES
Whipple's Procedure
Whipple’s procedure or pancreaticoduodenectomy is performed to treat pancreatic cancer. For this type of surgery, the hepato-pancreaticobiliary surgeon removes the pancreatic head, the entire duodenum, part of the stomach and some bile duct, gallbladder and nearby lymph nodes. A tumour in the pancreatic head needs to be removed to prevent the spread of pancreatic cancer. Whipple’s procedure is the most widespread surgery to control pancreatic cancer when situated in the head part.
PROCEDURE
Whipple’s procedure is a complex surgery that involves reconstruction of the entire gastrointestinal tract to stunt pancreatic cancer. The surgery may take up to six to seven hours to complete. Only some patients are eligible for this procedure. Surgery receives the green light when a tumour in the pancreatic head and cancer hasn’t metastasised to blood vessels, the lungs or liver.
A classic Whipple’s procedure removes the top part of the pancreas, the gallbladder, duodenum, small part of the stomach and lymph nodes. After resection, the process of reattachment begins. Dr Pretorius reconnects residual organs to regulate digestion. He attaches the bile duct, pancreas and stomach to the small intestine. There is an adjusted version of this surgery to preserve the stomach and its valve, the pylorus. The procedure to preserve the stomach is known as pylorus-preserving Whipple.
Whichever surgery the patient undergoes, the hepato-pancreaticobiliary surgeon will have to conduct intensive tests to ensure he or she is eligible for Whipple’s procedure.
RECOVERY
Because Whipple’s procedure is such a complicated surgery, patients must stay in the hospital for two weeks or more, but usually are discharged within 7-10 days. The patient remains in intensive care the first night after the procedure before moving to the high care ward when fit. Fatigue is usual after surgery and patients can expect this to continue for two months. Because of the gravity of the procedure, recovery may vary from patient to patient and post-operative care is tailored to the patient's condition. In this period after the operation, a multi-disciplinary team will be looking after the team. This may include Dr Pretorius, a physician, Physiotherapist, Dietician and nurses.
PROCEDURE
Whipple’s procedure is a complex surgery that involves reconstruction of the entire gastrointestinal tract to stunt pancreatic cancer. The surgery may take up to six to seven hours to complete. Only some patients are eligible for this procedure. Surgery receives the green light when a tumour in the pancreatic head and cancer hasn’t metastasised to blood vessels, the lungs or liver.
A classic Whipple’s procedure removes the top part of the pancreas, the gallbladder, duodenum, small part of the stomach and lymph nodes. After resection, the process of reattachment begins. Dr Pretorius reconnects residual organs to regulate digestion. He attaches the bile duct, pancreas and stomach to the small intestine. There is an adjusted version of this surgery to preserve the stomach and its valve, the pylorus. The procedure to preserve the stomach is known as pylorus-preserving Whipple.
Whichever surgery the patient undergoes, the hepato-pancreaticobiliary surgeon will have to conduct intensive tests to ensure he or she is eligible for Whipple’s procedure.
RECOVERY
Because Whipple’s procedure is such a complicated surgery, patients must stay in the hospital for two weeks or more, but usually are discharged within 7-10 days. The patient remains in intensive care the first night after the procedure before moving to the high care ward when fit. Fatigue is usual after surgery and patients can expect this to continue for two months. Because of the gravity of the procedure, recovery may vary from patient to patient and post-operative care is tailored to the patient's condition. In this period after the operation, a multi-disciplinary team will be looking after the team. This may include Dr Pretorius, a physician, Physiotherapist, Dietician and nurses.