Whipple procedure

medicine

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex surgery primarily used to treat pancreatic cancer and other tumors in the pancreas and bile duct. This procedure involves removing the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum), the gallbladder, and a portion of the bile duct. It is a challenging operation with a high risk of complications, requiring experienced surgeons and extensive hospital stays. The Whipple procedure is typically reserved for cases where there is a reasonable chance of curing the cancer. If the cancer is incurable, surgery may be performed to alleviate symptoms.12

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pancreatic cancer
Surgical options
…are often treated with the Whipple procedure, a complicated surgical approach that removes all or part of the pancreas and nearby lymph nodes, the gallbladder, and portions of the stomach, small intestine, and bile duct. Serious complications often arise following this procedure, which requires an extensive hospital stay and considerable…
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…are often treated with the Whipple procedure, a complicated surgical approach that removes all or part of the pancreas and nearby lymph nodes, the gallbladder, and portions of the stomach, small intestine, and bile duct. Serious complications often arise following this procedure, which requires an extensive hospital stay and considerable…
Read More