What is a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure)?
A. A pancreaticoduodenectomy is a complex operation to treat tumors that occur within the head of the pancreas. The procedure involves removing the head of the pancreas (approximately 50 percent of the pancreas), first portion of the small intestine (duodenum), gallbladder, part of the bile duct, and occasionally a small portion of the stomach (approximately 10 percent). The operation ideally completely removes the tumor and all surrounding lymph nodes where cancer cells can metastasize or spread. Following the resection, the surgeon will reconstruct the gastrointestinal tract to allow patients to eat and digest their food.
