Is a Whipple a real surgery?
A Whipple procedure — also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy — is a complex operation to remove the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder and the bile duct. The Whipple procedure is used to treat tumors and other disorders of the pancreas, intestine and bile duct.
What kind of doctor performs the Whipple procedure?
Specialized cancer surgeons (surgical oncologists), gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other experts provide comprehensive, individualized care for people considering or being recommended to undergo the Whipple procedure.
What can you eat after Whipple?
Eat a variety of foods. To help with healing, eat foods high in protein, such as tender meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, peanut butter, and beans. Drink supplements such as Boost, Ensure, or Carnation Instant Breakfast.
Why is a Whipple so hard?
Whipple procedures are complicated because they involve so many different organs, but that’s not the only reason. “The pancreas is located in a very difficult spot, deep in the central part of the abdomen,” Reddy explained.
How long can you live without your pancreas?
Removing the pancreas can also reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. Without artificial insulin injections and digestive enzymes, a person without a pancreas cannot survive. One 2016 study found that about three-quarters of people without cancer survived at least 7 years following pancreas removal.
What diet is best after Whipple surgery?
Symptoms usually get better over time. Eat a variety of foods. To help with healing, eat foods high in protein, such as tender meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, peanut butter, and beans. Drink supplements such as Boost, Ensure, or Carnation Instant Breakfast.
Can I drink alcohol after Whipple surgery?
If you drink alcohol regularly, you may be at risk for other complications during and after your surgery. These include bleeding, infections, heart problems, and a longer hospital stay.
Does peri-operative nutrition support pancreaticoduodenectomy patients?
Although several studies have examined peri-operative nutritional supplementation in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy all provided support at various timepoints with a variety of protocols.
What are the benefits of a pancreaticoduodenectomy?
Therefore, it reduces morbidity and shortens the hospital stay. The most common complications after a pancreaticoduodenectomy are delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic fistulae, hemorrhage, chyle leaks, endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and surgical site infections.
How difficult is pancreaticoduodenectomy?
Pancreaticoduodenectomy is one of the most challenging procedures performed by general surgeons. Many studies have been performed looking at the technical aspects of reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenal resection.
Who’s on the pancreatic surgery team?
The team is made up of pancreatic surgeons, specialized surgical nurses, anesthesiologists and anesthetists — doctors and nurses trained in giving medication that causes you to sleep during surgery — and others.