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How Long Does It Take to Have Cataract Surgery

10 Facts About Whipple Surgery

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What is Whipple surgery? In spite of its somewhat whimsical-sounding name, this is a major surgery that can save lives. Learn more about what the Whipple procedure does and what to expect if you or someone you love is due to have this lymphatic and digestive system operation. The information in this guide comes from the Mayo Clinic, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Johns Hopkins University.

Basic Facts About the Procedure

Whipple surgery is a serious procedure that involves the removal of several lymphatic organs in the abdomen. Also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, most Whipple procedures see doctors remove parts of the pancreas and small intestine in addition to the entire gallbladder and bile duct. Some surgeries need to go further than this, with portions of the stomach and/or surrounding lymph nodes being removed as well.

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Origin and Name

Like many other medical procedures, the Whipple procedure is named after a doctor. Dr. Alan O. Whipple first described this surgery while working at a hospital in New York.

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Why Is This Procedure Performed?

Surgeons perform the Whipple procedure on patients who have tumors and other issues involving the cluster of organs around the head of the pancreas. Most commonly, this surgery is used as treatment for those with pancreatic cancer affecting only the head of the pancreas rather than other areas.

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Why Is Such a Major Surgery Necessary?

Pancreatic cancer can be a particularly aggressive form of cancer. This surgery, though difficult, can end up saving the patient's life by removing cancer that could spread to nearby areas.

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Are There Non-Cancer Reasons to Perform the Whipple Procedure?

Though most Whipple surgery candidates have cancer, not all do. Some people require this surgery due to trauma affecting the specified organs, but non-cancerous cysts or pancreatitis can also cause doctors to recommend Whipple surgery.

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Are There Alternatives to Whipple Surgery?

While there may be some alternatives, in most cases, this surgery is the only way to prevent the spread of cancer to other organs. People who do not want to undergo such a major surgery may not have other treatment options to consider.

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What Are the Risks Associated with Whipple Surgery?

This kind of major procedure is not without risks, unfortunately. The surgery itself is somewhat risky, and potential side effects during and after recovery include diabetes, digestive issues and infection both inside the abdominal cavity and at the incision site.

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How to Reduce Risks Associated with Whipple Surgery

It's important to choose the right surgeon to perform this procedure. You should seek out surgeons who perform this surgery regularly and work in hospitals or surgical centers that see a lot of Whipple procedure patients. The more experienced your doctor is with this specific procedure, the lower your risk of complications.

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What to Do If Your Doctor Recommends the Whipple Procedure

It's very important to seek a second opinion when you're diagnosed with a tumor or otherwise told that your condition requires Whipple surgery. Even if you trust your doctor and find him or her to be competent and experienced, a second opinion is still appropriate with this serious a procedure.

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When You're Denied Eligibility

If you have pancreatic tumors or other issues commonly associated with the Whipple procedure, you may initially be told you aren't eligible to receive it. This can happen to as many as 50 percent of the people who could benefit from the surgery, states the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Eligibility issues are yet another reason why seeking experienced doctors and getting second opinions can be crucial for those who could benefit from the Whipple procedure.

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