Overview
The Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy) is one of the most complex operations in abdominal surgery. It removes the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the lower bile duct and the gallbladder, then reconnects the pancreas, bile duct and stomach to the intestine. It is the main curative operation for tumors in the head of the pancreas and the periampullary region.
Outcomes depend heavily on careful patient selection, surgical experience and good post-operative care, which is why this operation belongs in specialised hepatobiliary-pancreatic hands.
Conditions treated / যেসব রোগের চিকিৎসা
- প্যানক্রিয়াটিক টিউমার (Ca. Pancreas)
- পেরিঅ্যাম্পুলারি টিউমার (Periampullary Tumor)
- প্যানক্রিয়াটিক সিস্টিক টিউমার (Cystic Neoplasm)
- নিউরোএন্ডোক্রাইন টিউমার (NET)
01
Surgical indication / কখন সার্জারি প্রয়োজন
- Tumor of the head of the pancreas that can be removed (resectable)
- Cancer of the ampulla, lower bile duct or duodenum
- Selected cystic or neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas
- Tumors of the body or tail of the pancreas — treated by distal pancreatectomy, often with the spleen
02
The procedure / অপারেশন পদ্ধতি
Before surgery, contrast CT and tumor markers show whether the tumor can be removed completely. Jaundice may be relieved first. Under general anaesthesia the tumor is removed with surrounding lymph nodes, and three connections are made: pancreas to intestine, bile duct to intestine and stomach to intestine. The operation usually takes several hours.
03
After surgery / অপারেশন পরবর্তী যত্ন
- Close monitoring in the first days, with a hospital stay of around one to two weeks
- Drains are checked for pancreatic leak before removal
- Gradual diet build-up — some patients need pancreatic enzyme or diabetes support
- Pathology review and, if needed, referral for chemotherapy
Questions about Whipple Procedure & Pancreatic Tumor Surgery
Q. How long is recovery after a Whipple operation?
Hospital stay is usually around one to two weeks, and full recovery takes several weeks. Diet is increased step by step and some patients need enzyme supplements.
Q. Is every pancreatic tumor operable?
No. CT scans show whether the tumor can be removed completely. If surgery is not suitable, other options such as stenting, bypass or chemotherapy are discussed.
This page explains the treatment in general terms. Your surgeon will advise what is right for you after examination and reviewing your reports.