The following conditions must be met for a patient to become eligible for the procedure:
- tumor localized in the head of the pancreas;
- cancer is not metastatic;
- removal of the tumor does not put a patient at risk.
Determining if a patient is eligible for the operation is a challenging task. Only the most advanced imaging techniques and best Whipple surgeons may provide an entirely accurate diagnosis. It is advisable to receive the second opinion on patient’s case with uncertain eligibility.
Indications and contraindications for Whipple surgery
Whipple operation is the only surgical method to treat tumor of the pancreas. The procedure is mainly performed in combination with chemo- and radiotherapeutic exposure. Besides cancer of pancreas, Whipple procedure is prescribed to patients with the following diagnoses:
- malignant tumor of the gallbladder;
- duodenal cancer;
- pancreatitis;
- bile duct cancer;
- small bowel cancer;
- ampullary cancer;
- neuroendocrine tumors.
There are following contraindications to the procedure:
- the tumor is not localized in the pancreas head;
- patient condition is too severe to endure the operation;
- HIV;
severe or chronic infections (hepatitis, STDs);
cardiopulmonary comorbidities.
Types of Whipple operation
Whipple surgery can be done in 2 ways:
- Open surgery method. This is the most commonly used technique. A surgeon makes an incision in patient’s abdomen to access the pancreas.
- Laparoscopic surgery. It is a minimally invasive variation of Whipple operation. The procedure is performed through several small incisions in patient’s abdomen. A doctor operates with special long instruments under control of optical camera. This technique puts patient’s body under less stress.
The procedures are performed in best hospitals for Whipple surgery by top Whipple surgeons.
Whipple surgery in details
Preoperative preparation for Whipple surgery
A patient is connected to intravenous line that supplies medicine and nutrition during the operation. An epidural catheter or spinal injection is administered. Medications delivered in that way block nerves in the abdominal area. This is done in order to prevent severe pain syndromes during recovery.
Surgery process
The invasion is performed by a team of physicians: top surgeons for Whipple procedure, nurses, and anesthesiologists. The surgery takes up to 12 hours to complete. A patient stays under general anesthesia the whole time. An operation starts when an incision is made in patient’s abdomen. After all affected organs are removed, a surgeon reconnects remaining intestines and pancreas to restore the functioning of digestive system.
After the surgery
In most cases, patients are placed in the general surgical unit after the operation. Patient’s vitals are monitored periodically to exclude complications and infections. The diet will be scheduled and advanced slowly, to restore the functions of the digestive system. Recovery time after the pancreaticoduodenectomy Whipple procedure takes up to 2 weeks.
If a patient’s condition is severe or there are complications during the surgery, a patient is rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Nutrition and medications are delivered intravenously and patient’s vitals are constantly monitored. Catheters are used to drain urine and various fluids from the surgery area. Whipple surgery cost may increase due to the use of additional medications.
Before and after WHipple surgery
Rehabilitation
Patients are prescribed personal diet by a nutritionist. Rehabilitation lasts for 4-6 weeks on average. In most cases, additional care is not required after a patient is dismissed from a hospital. If patient’s state is concerning, they may be required to stay near the hospital to undergo check-ups. For some patients, it is advisable to rehabilitate in specialized facilities.
Outlook
Life expectancy for patients who underwent Whipple surgery depends on the particular case. On average, patients lead relatively fulfilling life post operation.
To counter some long lasting side effects, patients may be required to:
- stick to a strict diet;
- take insulin;
- take pancreatic enzymes to aid food digestion.
How to receive Whipple surgery abroad?
Submit a request on Bookimed website and our Medical Doctor will contact you on the shortest notice. The Doctor will provide you with any required information regarding the surgery, including the cost of Whipple procedure in your particular case. Bookimed will make sure that a patient will be operated by best surgeons for Whipple procedure. Our team will assist you in arranging the trip abroad. We take on paperwork procession and transfer organization.