Whipple surgery, also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a major operation to remove the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), and sometimes parts of the stomach. The gallbladder may also be removed.
This operation is done to treat cancer of the pancreas or other conditions that affect the pancreas. For example, it is sometimes used to treat chronic pancreatitis, which is Inflammation of the pancreas that does not get better with medicine.
The surgery takes about 5 to 7 hours. You will stay in the hospital for about 1 week after surgery.
Dr. Surendra Kumar Dabas, best cancer doctor in India for pancreatic cancer recommends this treatment for patients whose pancreas, bile duct or duodenum have got affected by cancer or other disease. Your pancreas is a crucial organ that works closely with your liver and ducts which carry bile. It secretes enzymes which help in digestion of food, particularly fats and protein. It also secretes hormones which help in managing blood sugar levels.
Whipple procedure is done to treat following conditions:
The main aim of performing Whipple surgery for cancer treatment in India is to eliminate the tumor and simultaneously prevent it from growing further and spreading to other organs. So far, this is the only treatment which can result in prolonged survival and cure for above cancers/cysts/tumors.
There are several ways in which Whipple Surgery in India is performed by the expert surgeons. Let us understand them one by one –
In the open method of surgery, your surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen to reach out to the pancreas and perform the surgery. This is the commonly used strategy by surgeons.
This is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which your surgeon will make several small incisions in your belly and then insert special instruments, which include a camera (used for transmitting images to a monitor). This technique is not only feasible but also safe, with low mortality and tolerable rates of complications.
This is an advanced type of surgery which makes use of robots for performing the surgery. Here,your surgeon will attach the surgical tools to a mechanical device. This kind of surgery is performed with the minimal possible amount of invasiveness.
During a standard Whipple surgery, your surgeon will remove the head of your pancreas, the duodenum,the gallbladder and a part of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes. He will then reconnect the remaining pancreas and other digestive organs.
In certain cases, patients undergo a modified form of the Whipple surgery involving the entire stomach and the stomach valve (the pylorus). This is known as the pylorus-preserving Whipple procedure.
Both these types of surgeries usually take 5-7 hours.
You will stay in the hospital for around 8-10 days after your surgery. In this duration, your doctor will observe you for any post-op complications, as you gradually begin to eat and drink again.
During the days following your surgery, your doctor will do extensive investigations to see if the cancer was removed thoroughly and if any cancer cells were present in the lymph nodes.
Post Whipple procedure, the most common complication that patients suffer is delayed gastric emptying, which means the stomach takes longer time to empty its contents. Normally, after a week to 10 days, your stomach should begin to empty its contents well enough and allow healing. In case delayed gastric emptying continues to remain for a longer time, you may be fed through a feeding tube or vein for quite a few weeks.
You can anticipate the following after your surgery:
Your Whipple procedure might cause challenges for some time. This includes difficulty in digestion and some other minor issues.It may take you anywhere from a few months up to an year to feel comparatively normal again.
Your digestive system will take time to start functioning normally again, and you might be asked to make some permanent dietary changes in order to lessen symptoms like frequent stomach ache, gastric issues and diarrhea. Your treating doctor might prescribe pancreatic enzymes that will help in proper food digestion.
The surgery is complex and risky, but it offers the best hope for a cure for people with ampullary or pancreatic cancer.
The cost of Whipple surgery in India can vary depending on the hospital and surgeon performing the procedure. However, on average, patients can expect to pay around $7,000 for this life-saving surgery. This cost includes pre-operative care, surgical fees, post-operative care, and hospital stay.
You will require extensive follow up care as this is a highly specialized procedure involving huge expertise at your surgeon’s end. The doctors at the best hospital for Whipple surgery in India are globally trained and have years of experience in doing these kinds of surgeries.Whipple procedure is a challenging and demanding surgery, not only for patients but for the surgeon as well.
You may experience a decreased appetite after your surgery. Your body will have difficulty in digesting fats effectively, so you will be asked to take medication every time you eat. Another common problem that you may experience after your surgery is tiredness, which normally lasts for a few weeks.
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