The Whipple procedure is a surgery used to treat cancer and other diseases of the pancreas, intestine and bile duct. This procedure removes the head of the pancreas and several nearby organs.
If you have a tumor located in your pancreas, your doctor or care team may recommend the Whipple procedure to stop the spread of cancer. Because this surgery can have life-saving effects, choosing your surgeon is a big decision. To help you as you take the first steps toward treatment, here’s what you need to know to find a Whipple procedure surgeon you trust.
What Happens During the Whipple Procedure
During the Whipple procedure, your surgeon will remove the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, the bile duct and part of the small intestine to remove cancer tissue. In some cases, your surgeon may also remove part of the stomach or nearby lymph nodes. Then, your surgeon reconnects the remaining portion of the pancreas and other digestive organs to the small intestine, so your body can continue to digest food.
Because the Whipple procedure is very involved and complications can occur, surgery may take up to eight hours. Thanks to an anesthetic provided before the operation, though, you’ll be asleep the entire time.
What to Look for in a Good Pancreatic Surgeon
Whether the Whipple procedure succeeds will depend on a number of factors, including your overall health prior to surgery. However, using a specialized surgeon who performs a high volume of Whipple surgeries gives you the best chance of success and smooth recovery.
Here are a few questions to ask a surgeon before you choose them to perform your Whipple surgery:
- How many pancreatic surgeries have you performed? A good surgeon will have performed a high number of pancreatic surgeries in the last year. Look for a surgeon who has plenty of experience treating patients using the Whipple procedure.
- How many pancreatic surgeries has your hospital handled? It’s best to choose a surgeon who works at a specialized hospital that handles Whipple procedures often.
- Where did you receive your training? If possible, choose a surgeon who completed advanced pancreatic surgery training at a well-respected institution. Awards and honors can help you feel more confident in your choice.
- Can you refer me to another surgeon for a second opinion? It’s always a good idea to seek a second or even third opinion before you commit to a certain procedure or care professional.
In general, look for a Whipple procedure surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and will continue to support your after the operation.
What to Expect After Your Whipple Procedure
Though the Whipple procedure is the best method for the long-term management of pancreatic cancer, the surgery can still come with risks and complications, such as infection and bleeding. One of the more serious complications — a leakage from the new connection between the pancreas and the small intestine — occurs in approximately 10 percent of patients. Thankfully, your care team can control this complication using drainage tubes and antibiotics.
After surgery, expect to spend one night in the intensive care unit and at least seven more days in the hospital. You’ll start out receiving nutrients through a feeding tube and return to your normal diet gradually. Patients can usually walk immediately after surgery, but you may have some fatigue and pain.
Once at home, full recovery can take up to two months. It may take as much as a year before you feel completely back to normal. Your surgeon may have you take pancreatic enzymes long-term to aid in digestion after surgery.
Choose Dr. Fraiman as Your Whipple Procedure Surgeon
Choosing the best surgeon for your Whipple procedure can help ensure a successful operation and healthy recovery. As an experienced liver and pancreatic surgeon, Dr. Mark Fraiman is dedicated to helping patients with pancreatic cancer and other conditions through surgery. At the St. Joseph Medical Center in Maryland, Dr. Fraiman and his multidisciplinary team provide holistic, patient-centered care and support throughout the treatment process.
To learn more about how Dr. Fraiman may be able to help you or about procedures offered, such as liver resections, Whipple procedures, and pancreatic cancer surgery, call 410-427-2024 to schedule a consultation today.
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