Whipple Procedure
Whipple procedure is a surgery to remove the head of the pancreas, the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum), and the organ that stores fluid (bile) made in the liver (gallbladder). Part of the stomach may also be removed during this procedure. The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach. It helps digest food and it produces hormones that regulate blood sugar. The head of the pancreas is the part that is connected to the duodenum. A Whipple procedure may be necessary due to a pancreas infection (chronic pancreatitis) or pancreatic cancer.
LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:
• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter …show more content…
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
• Infection.
• Bleeding and blood clots.
• Allergic reactions to medicines.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Fluid leaking from the newly formed connection between the pancreas and the small intestine (pancreatic leak).
• Loss of appetite. This may lead to weight loss.
• Diabetes.
• Low levels of digestive enzymes. This means that you may have trouble digesting food at a normal rate.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
• You may have tests, including:
○ Blood tests.
○ X-rays.
○ Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.
• Ask your health care provider how your surgical site will be marked or identified.
• Ask your health care provider about:
○ Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood …show more content…
• You will be given a medicine to make you fall sleep (general anesthetic). You may also be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• A tube may be inserted through your nose and into your stomach (nasogastric tube). The nasogastric tube removes digestive fluids and prevents you from throwing up or feeling nauseous.
• A small, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted into your bladder to measure your urine production during surgery.
• An incision will be made in the upper part of your abdomen.
• The head of your pancreas, your duodenum, and your gallbladder will be removed. Part of your stomach may also be removed.
• Your pancreas, your stomach, and the main tube that carries fluid (bile) from your liver (common bile duct) will all be connected to your small intestine with stitches (sutures).
• Tubes may be inserted in your incision, such as:
○ A drainage tube. This drains excess fluids from your abdomen.
○ An intestinal feeding tube. This provides you with food after surgery until you are able to eat normally.
• Your incision will be closed with sutures, skin glue, or adhesive
Whipple procedure is a surgery to remove the head of the pancreas, the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum), and the organ that stores fluid (bile) made in the liver (gallbladder). Part of the stomach may also be removed during this procedure. The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach. It helps digest food and it produces hormones that regulate blood sugar. The head of the pancreas is the part that is connected to the duodenum. A Whipple procedure may be necessary due to a pancreas infection (chronic pancreatitis) or pancreatic cancer.
LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:
• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter …show more content…
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
• Infection.
• Bleeding and blood clots.
• Allergic reactions to medicines.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Fluid leaking from the newly formed connection between the pancreas and the small intestine (pancreatic leak).
• Loss of appetite. This may lead to weight loss.
• Diabetes.
• Low levels of digestive enzymes. This means that you may have trouble digesting food at a normal rate.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
• You may have tests, including:
○ Blood tests.
○ X-rays.
○ Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.
• Ask your health care provider how your surgical site will be marked or identified.
• Ask your health care provider about:
○ Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood …show more content…
• You will be given a medicine to make you fall sleep (general anesthetic). You may also be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• A tube may be inserted through your nose and into your stomach (nasogastric tube). The nasogastric tube removes digestive fluids and prevents you from throwing up or feeling nauseous.
• A small, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted into your bladder to measure your urine production during surgery.
• An incision will be made in the upper part of your abdomen.
• The head of your pancreas, your duodenum, and your gallbladder will be removed. Part of your stomach may also be removed.
• Your pancreas, your stomach, and the main tube that carries fluid (bile) from your liver (common bile duct) will all be connected to your small intestine with stitches (sutures).
• Tubes may be inserted in your incision, such as:
○ A drainage tube. This drains excess fluids from your abdomen.
○ An intestinal feeding tube. This provides you with food after surgery until you are able to eat normally.
• Your incision will be closed with sutures, skin glue, or adhesive