Colectomy: What it is and When You Might Need One
Colectomy is a surgical procedure used to manage serious bowel problems that can’t be treated with conservative options. Here’s what the surgery involves and when we may recommend it.
Understanding The Whipple Procedure For Pancreatic Cancer
Nearly 70,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. While radiation and chemotherapy may be recommended for many patients, others can benefit from an advanced surgery called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, also known as the Whipple procedure.
The team at Desert West Surgery has significant experience in pancreatic cancer treatment, including the Whipple procedure in select patients. In this post, learn more about this advanced type of surgery and whether you might be a good candidate.
The Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer
The pancreas is a glandular organ in your belly that plays critical roles in digestion and hormone production. The Whipple procedure uses special techniques to remove cancerous tumors in the pancreas, specifically in the widest part of the pancreas, called the head.
The procedure itself is complex and involves multiple steps. During surgery, your surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder, part of the bile duct, and sometimes part of the stomach, as well as surrounding lymph nodes.
Once these organs are removed, the surgeon “reconnects” your digestive system to support normal function. Although complex, the surgery can be a perfect option for many patients with pancreatic cancer. In some instances, it may be used to treat tumors in surrounding structures, like the bile ducts or duodenum, the first part of your small intestine.
During and after surgery: What to expect
The Whipple procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. Most surgeries take about 5-7 hours.
After making an incision in your belly, the surgeon removes cancerous tissue while taking care to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. Once these areas are removed, the surgeon reconnects your digestive system to function normally.
After surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for 1-2 weeks. During that time, you’ll be closely monitored for complications so they can be addressed immediately. You won’t be able to eat immediately, but you’ll receive nutrition in other ways. During your hospital stay, foods and drinks will slowly be reintroduced as your digestive system heals.
Once you’re discharged, you may need to use special supplements to replace enzymes no longer produced by the pancreas. Ongoing follow-up ensures your recovery stays on track while providing additional nutritional support as needed. We’ll also continue to monitor you for signs of cancer, and we may recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy afterward as an added precaution.
Candidates for surgery
Patients with pancreatic cancer aren’t always good candidates for the Whipple procedure. In most instances, the surgery is reserved for patients with cancer that hasn’t spread to other organs. Because the surgery is extensive and complex, patients should be in good general health to ensure they can withstand the rigors and potential risks of the procedure.
Before recommending surgery, you’ll have extensive diagnostic imaging to evaluate your pancreas and the surrounding area, as well as a comprehensive review of your current health and medical history.
Learn more
The Whipple procedure represents a major step forward in pancreatic cancer treatment, helping improve survival times and quality of life for people diagnosed with this cancer. To learn more about this advanced surgical procedure, call Desert West Surgery and schedule a visit at the Las Vegas location nearest you.
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