This happens if there are problems during the healing process of the suture that connects what remains of the pancreas to the intestine.Leakage of pancreatic juiceSubsequently, leakage of the pancreatic juice can occur. Almost about 40% of the patients having undergone the procedure experience delayed gastric emptying… The most common complication of the surgery is slow stomach emptying, which can make it difficult to eat or keep down foods and liquids. Whipple Procedure Definition. Bleeding: You may bleed during or after the Whipple procedure. Pancreatic cancer has one of the poorest prognoses when compared to other common cancer types. They may need to take pancreatic enzymes -- either short-term or long-term -- to assist with digestion. Even if the procedure successfully removes the visible tumor, it's possible that some cancer cells have already spread elsewhere in the body, where they can form new tumors and eventually cause death. The Whipple procedure is a technically difficult operation, often involving open surgery. Laparoscopic Whipple Procedure Linked to More Deadly Complications — Also, no reduction in recovery or hospitalization time versus open pancreatoduodenectomy The Whipple procedure has a success rate of up to 70 to 80 percent as a treatment for cancer. 25% of all patients will suffer stomach paralysis after the Whipple procedure. Recent trials have shown improved outcomes with chemotherapy before surgery and with different chemotherapy regimens before and after surgery.Â, American Cancer Society: "Pancreatic Cancer Surgery. A Whipple procedure or pancreaticoduodenectomy involves removal of the head of the pancreas, and portion of the bile duct, the gallbladder and the duodenum, along with part of the stomach, which are then all rejoined to the intestine. What to Eat If Complications Arise Following Your Whipple Surgery. The classic Whipple procedure is named after Allen Whipple, MD, a Columbia University surgeon who was the first American to perform the operation in 1935. The complication rate is 30 to 40 percent. Call 410-427-2024 today. Diabetes is a potentially serious concern for some people (a minority) after surgery. Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates. We are offering telehealth consultations and still performing urgent surgeries. When preparing for the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy surgery), it’s important to know what type of facility you will be having the procedure at, what to expect before the procedure, what medications to take (and which ones to withhold), and about certain lifestyle changes that will help to speed recovery after the procedure. What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer? Pancreatic surgery is a surgical procedure used for removing cancer from the exocrine pancreas. Although there continue to be improvements in surgical techniques, anesthesia and postoperative care, the Whipple procedure is one of the most demanding and risky operations for both surgeons and patients. Abdominal Surgery Rotation Section 7- Whipple resection 1. Because recovery can be slow and painful, they usually need to take prescription or over-the-counter pain medications. Only about 20% of pancreatic cancer patients are eligible for the Whipple procedure and other surgeries. Read below to learn more about the potential complications and long-term side effects of whipple surgery. After the Whipple procedure was introduced, many surgeons were reluctant to perform it because it had a high death rate. Infection of incision (cut) The Whipple procedure, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, is the most common surgery to remove tumors in the pancreas. Due to ta poor healing process post-surgically, these leakage sites may require a drain to be inserted through the skin to allow for proper drainage until the suture heals all the way through. The surgeon then reattaches the remaining pancreas, small intestine, and bile duct so that the patient’s digestive system can continue to function properly. Intensive testing is usually necessary to identify possible candidates for the Whipple procedure. Diarrhea is a common problem during the two or three months it usually takes for the rearranged digestive tract to fully recover. Compared to the classic procedure, the laparoscopic procedure may result in less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, a quicker recovery, and fewer complications. ", Pancreatica.org: "What Is the Surgical Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer? Related to stomach paralysis is the procedure complication called delayed-gastric emptying. However, unfortunately if you aor someone you know is in need of a whipple the alternative is not attractive either. 7505 Osler Drive, O'Dea Building Suite 303, Baltimore Liver & Pancreas Surgeon - Dr. Mark Fraiman, for those whose cancer is confined to the head of the pancreas, most common Whipple procedure complication, may need to take supplemental pancreatic enzymes, a healthy diet after your Whipple procedure surgery, Dr. Fraiman at The Liver and Pancreas Center, recommended by the American Cancer Society, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/whipple-procedure/care-at-mayo-clinic/treatment/prc-20021393, https://www.pancreasfoundation.org/patient-information/pancreatic-cancer/treatment-of-pancreatic-cancer/whipple-procedure/, http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8287, https://www.pancan.org/section-facing-pancreatic-cancer/learn-about-pan-cancer/diet-and-nutrition/Pancreatic-enzymes/, http://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/overviewguide/pancreatic-cancer-overview-treating-surgery, Pancreatic Cancer: A Review of Surgical Treatment Options, 3 Common Surgical Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer, Trauma to the pancreas or small intestine, Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), also know as acid reflux or acid regurgitation, A feeling of fullness even after a small meal. The surgery went well but my surgeon, Dr. Matthew Katz, was not able to remove some areas of microscopic cancer cells. The five-year survival rate is higher in node-negative patients (their cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes) than for node-positive patients. This is not something most patients who undergo the Whipple procedure have to worry about, however. In fact, sometimes a healthy diet after your Whipple procedure surgery can help alleviate some of the procedure complications and aid in the healing process. Weight loss. Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. ", Pri-med Patient Education Center: "The Whipple Procedure.". They find that they have difficulty digesting foods the way they used to. A Whipple procedure is complex surgery to remove part of the pancreas along with the: Gallbladder and common bile duct; Top part of the small intestine called the duodenum; Portion of the stomach called the pylorus—when the pylorus is not removed, the procedure is known as a pylorus-preserving Whipple procedure. Pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer, short- and long-term outcomes after Kausch-Whipple and pylorus-preserving resection. The Whipple procedure has been refined from the original two step-processes to a one step-operation. Some patients may be eligible for a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) Whipple procedure, which is performed through several small incisions instead of a single large incision. Tell your healthcare team if you have any of the following side effects. Bhosale P(1), Fleming J, Balachandran A, Charnsangavej C, Tamm EP. Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is one of the most difficult and complex surgery that carries a high rate of major complications, including delayed gastric emptying (DGE), pancreatic fistula, bleeding, intra-abdominal collection, and pulmonary complications. Unfortunately, as with most major operations, there are certain procedure complications that can arise even with the most successful of surgeries. Who Should Perform the Whipple Procedure? I finally had my Whipple procedure on October 4. Pancreatic FistulaPancreatic fistula can be a complication of Whipple procedure. Some patients require hospitalization for up to two weeks following the Whipple procedure. The organization also recommends choosing a surgeon who does many such operations. Pancreatic enzymes come in both prescription and over-the-counter form, so it is best if you discuss with your pancreatic surgeon which one suits your individual needs the best. Many patients who undergo the Whipple procedure experience weight loss. This external drain may be in place for several weeks after surgery and aids in preventing infection at the suture site. The Whipple procedure carries a high risk for complications. A variation is a pylorus-sparing Whipple operation performed to improve gastrointestinal function. If this occurs, a drain may be inserted through the skin to allow drainage for several weeks after surgery. In general, the Whipple procedure will be performed by a specialized surgeon for a number of reasons: However, the most common reason for the Whipple procedure is to treat pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has one of the poorest prognoses when compared to other common cancer types. Most patients can expect to lose weight after the surgery. This rare Whipple procedure complication can occur when too many insulin-producing cells are removed from the pancreas during surgery. However, for those that are suitable for such a high-risk surgery, a positive outcome can often be expected. Bleeding at the surgical areas 2. Pain can be caused by damage to tissue. In general, although many people do very well after the Whipple procedure, some develop immediate complications that affect their qualit… Set up an appointment or get a second opinion with Dr. Fraiman. The digestive system typically removes entirely approximately 3 months after the surgery. In addition, with his patient-centered approach to treatment and recovery, you can expect quality care especially if you fall victim to any of the above-mentioned Whipple procedure complications. In rare cases you may need another operation to stop the bleeding. Author information: (1)Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Unit 1473, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Intended to remove tumors located solely in the head of the pancreas, and only available to those whose cancer has not yet metatasized, the Whipple procedure does not come without its fair share of procedure complications post-surgery. However, those who received radiation alongside their Whipple procedure are more likely to have to take supplemental pancreatic enzymes long-term. Due to its quiet growth and potential to spread throughout the body, it often goes undiagnosed for many years before finally showing symptoms. Box 301402, Houston, TX 77230-1402, USA. As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of developing an infection after the Whipple operation. Can be difficult: Not for everyone, but the whipple procedure has a 40% morbidity rate. Pancreatic surgery Perioperative management Pancreatic cancer Pancreatitis Pancreaticoduodenectomy Whipple procedure Assessment Optimisation Intraoperative management Postoperative complications This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access. Whipple Procedure Diet Your surgeon, nurse, or hospital dietician may give you guidelines regarding what to eat as you recover from a Whipple procedure. However, cancer specialists have differing opinions on the best combination and the best drugs to use. You can expect to follow up with your surgeon every week and you will be monitored for any signs of complications. title = "Complications of Whipple surgery: Imaging analysis", abstract = "Background/Aims: The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate anatomic findings after the Whipple procedure, and the appearance of its complications, on imaging. 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