Whipple’s procedure

Sometimes patients receive treatment before surgery which is called neoadjuvant therapy, this is generally chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both.

Often patients receive adjuvant therapy, or treatment that is given after surgery. The goal is to kill any small cancer cells that may still be present to prevent the tumor from coming back.

After the operation you will be shifted to an Intensive Care Unit, where your pulse & blood pressure will be closely monitored. You will be given IV fluids, pain killers & antibiotics as suggested by your doctor.

There will be a small tube passing through your nose & few tubes coming out of your tummy. You will be started on liquid diet 2-3 days after your operation. You will be allowed to take solid diet once your gut has properly recovered.

Patients typically spend 7-12 days in hospital after a whipple’s operation.

Your doctor will discuss with you about following complications:

• Bleeding
• Pain
• Infection
• Leakage from the stitches
• Vomiting

Your chances of long-term survival after a Whipple procedure depend on your particular situation. For most tumors and cancers of the pancreas, the Whipple procedure is the only known cure.

Talk to your treatment team, family and friends if you feel stressed, worried or depressed. It may help to discuss how you’re feeling. You may want to consider joining a support group of people who have experienced a Whipple procedure or talking with a doctor.