Whipple Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer

If you have pancreatic cancer, your doctor may suggest the Whipple procedure. This surgery can treat and possibly cure your cancer.

Whipple surgery is the most common operation to remove cancer in the head of the pancreas. Doctors can do this surgery as an open procedure or less invasive robotic surgery.

What Is the Whipple Procedure?

The Whipple procedure, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, is the most common surgery to take tumors out of the pancreas.

It's a complex technique where surgeons remove part of the pancreas and GI tract. They then rebuild and reroute the pancreas to the small intestine.

The goal is to fully remove cancer to prevent it from growing and spreading to other organs.

Contact Us About Pancreatic Cancer Care

To learn more about pancreatic cancer care or to make an appointment, you can:

Why might I need to have a Whipple procedure?

Whipple surgery may extend your life or potentially cure pancreatic cancer.

Your doctor may suggest Whipple surgery if:

  • Your tumor is in the head — the widest part — of the pancreas. It's on the right side of the belly where the stomach meets the small intestine.
  • The cancer hasn't spread to other organs (liver, lungs, abdominal cavity).
  • You're strong enough to undergo a lengthy, challenging surgery.

How serious is the Whipple procedure?

The Whipple procedure is a long, complex surgery with risks. It involves removing not only the head of the pancreas but other organs as well.

Any major surgery comes with risks, including infection and bleeding.

Other complications from Whipple surgery include:

  • Diabetes.
  • Trouble digesting food.
  • Weight loss.

Types of Whipple Procedures

Conditions We Treat With Whipple Procedures

Cancer in the pancreas isn't the only reason someone might need a Whipple surgery. Other reasons for this surgery include:

  • Ampullary cancer.
  • Bile duct cancer.
  • Neuroendocrine tumors.
  • Pancreatic tumors and cysts.
  • Pancreatitis.
  • Small bowel cancer.
  • Trauma to the pancreas.

What Are the Benefits of the Whipple Procedure?

Benefits of the Whipple surgery include:

  • Giving people the best long-term survival rates from pancreatic tumors.
  • Improving symptoms like pain, jaundice, and digestive problems.
  • It's the only cure for pancreatic cancer.

What Are Whipple Procedure Risks and Complications?

Risks of the Whipple surgery include:

  • Bleeding and infection.
  • Delayed stomach emptying.
  • Leaks from the pancreas or bile duct connections.
  • Long, difficult healing times.
  • Short- or long-term diabetes.
  • Trouble keeping food down.

Possible complications of Whipple surgery include:

  • Blood clots.
  • Infection in the lungs, bladder, or incision site.
  • Stomach ulcers or other digestive problems.
  • Weight loss.

Who's a Candidate for Whipple Surgery?

To qualify, your:

  • Tumor must be in the head of the pancreas.
  • Cancer must not have spread to other parts of your body.

To see if surgery is right for you, speak with a surgeon who does a high volume of Whipples.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network advises that you always seek a second opinion.

If you decide on a Whipple, choose a hospital like UPMC that does a high volume of them each year.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Whipple Procedures

Your care team will give you details on how to prep for surgery.

They'll also tell you what to expect during and after the procedure.

What is the life expectancy after a Whipple procedure?

Patients with non-pancreatic cancers who undergo a Whipple procedure may expect to have a normal life expectancy. The five-year survival rate for Whipple surgery after pancreatic cancer is 20% to 25%.

While it's a complicated surgery, it's the only known cure for pancreatic cancer. And it offers many people hope for full healing.

Learn why you should choose UPMC Hillman for your pancreatic cancer care.