According to a pancreatic cancer surgeon in Kolkata, the Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is an extensive upper abdomen operation. The head of the pancreas, a portion of the adjacent small intestine called the duodenum, the common bile duct and the gallbladder are all removed during this procedure. The surgeon then reconnects the remaining organs following their removal.
The Whipple procedure is almost always recommended as a pancreatic cancer treatment in Kolkata.
Here is some essential information that you should know about Whipple surgery.
How to Prepare?
As the surgery significantly alters the anatomy of the upper gut, it is frequently associated with significant weight loss, says the pancreatic cancer surgeon in Kolkata. As a result, your doctor will likely encourage you to gain weight before surgery.
Additionally, during the preparation stage, it is essential to strengthen both the abdominal wall muscles and the hip flexors, the latter of which is necessary for walking. The sooner you can regain mobility following surgery, the lower your risk of complications such as pneumonia, blood clots, or even bed sores.
What are the Whipple procedure's steps?
The Whipple procedure is summarised in the following steps:
Firstly, your surgeon will make a large incision in your belly (or a few small ones if the surgery is laparoscopic).
Then a portion of your pancreas containing the tumour will be removed, including other parts like the small bowel surrounding it (the duodenum), the lower bile duct and the gall bladder. Additionally, a part of the stomach may also be removed.
The pancreas and bile duct remains will be connected to the small intestine.
Following that, the small intestine will be reattached to the stomach, allowing food to pass through the entire digestive tract.
What to anticipate during the recovery process?
Whipple surgery is an extensive procedure. This is primarily due to the extent of the organs being removed or rearranged. In general, the Whipple procedure takes between four and six hours.
After the procedure, your healthcare team will monitor you for signs of infection or other complications during your hospital stay. According to the pancreatic cancer surgeon in Kolkata, you will experience pain after the procedure. The pain can be managed with medications. You will be kept on a clear, liquid diet for a few days until your healthcare providers determine whether you are ready to consume solid foods.
As soon as you feel comfortable, you should begin performing lung exercises and moving around your room (just make sure to call a nurse or physical therapist for assistance getting up, so you don't fall.)
Under normal circumstances, you will be able to go home after six days of your Whipple surgery.
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