How do I use the Whipple procedure?
The Whipple procedure (also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy) is a surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from the head (right side) of your pancreas to stop it from spreading to other organs (metastasizing). About 15 to 20% of people suffering from pancreatic cancer can benefit from the procedure.
What is the location of the pancreas and what is its role?
The pancreas is a vital organ that is located within your abdomen. It’s designed to resemble an animal. The largest section to the left is known as the head. The middle part is known as the body or neck, and the end with the smallest size is called the tail. The pancreas produces hormones that assist your body in digesting food and regulates your sugar levels.
Is pancreatic cancer a type of cancer?
This kind of cancer is caused by a tumor (tumor) within the pancreas. The tumor is usually located in the neck, head, or the body of the pancreas. A few develop within the liver. Pancreatic cancer is caused mostly by smoking. The majority of people to have pancreatic cancer treatment are between 60 to 80 years.
Each year throughout the U.S., about 57,000 patients have been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, and there are approximately 46,000 deaths. About 8.5 percent of patients with this kind of cancer survive for another five years following the diagnosis.
What time is a Whipple procedure carried out?
Pancreatic cancer may be the primary reason why your surgeon will perform the Whipple procedure. This procedure can be required to treat:
- Pancreatic cysts.
- Pancreatitis.
- Small intestinal cancer of the duodenum.
- Pancreas, or the small intestinal.
- Ampullary cancer.
- Bile cancer of the duct.
- Neuroendocrine tumors.
PROCEDURE SPECIFICATIONS
Does the Whipple procedure perform inpatient or outpatient?
It is a Whipple procedure an inpatient procedure. The patient will be from the hospital for approximately one week.
Who will perform the surgery?
A group consisting of nurses, anesthesiologists, and anesthesiologists assist you during your doctor’s Whipple procedure.
What happens after the Whipple procedure?
If you’re diagnosed with cancer, you could undergo chemotherapy or radiation prior to having the procedure.
Your surgeon will tell you to discontinue certain medications during the days prior to surgery. Also, you should:
- Beware of eating and drinking for 8 hours prior to going to the hospital to undergo a Whipple process, unless instructed or otherwise.
- Stop smoking, even if only for two weeks prior to the Whipple procedure to improve your lung and heart health.
- Do not take herbal remedies for a period of one to two weeks prior to the procedure, as recommended by your physician.
- Do not use Viagra(r) or other medications to treat erectile dysfunction within 24hrs prior the Whipple procedure.
- It is recommended that you use some (but it is not necessary to take all) blood pressure medicines with a sip of fluid according to the instructions of your doctor.
When you arrive at the hospital, the nurse will place the intravenous line (IV) through your arm for the injection of medications and fluids you’ll require during the procedure. Also, an epidural tube or spinal injection might be required. They block nerves, reducing the pain that occurs after surgery.
In which location is the Whipple procedure carried out?
A Whipple operation is a complicated procedure with a higher risk of serious complications. It requires skills and expertise to execute the surgery and to manage any issues. To ensure the best result you’ll need an experienced surgeon. Also, you should be in a facility that performs at a minimum of 15 Whipple procedures every year.
Does Whipple surgery a minimally invasive procedure? Whipple process an open minimally-invasive surgery?
A surgery that is open involves the surgeon cutting a large incision. A minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery involves a number of small cuttings (incisions). When you undergo a minimally-invasive procedure generally, there’s less bleeding, fewer complications, and a quicker recovery time. While a laparoscopic procedure is suitable for a variety of reasons but it is not the most appropriate choice for all cases. Whipple procedure is typically an open procedure.
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