The Removal Phase
So, the Whipple procedure is a major surgery that involves the removal of
- The head of the pancreas
- The duodenum
- The gallbladder
- Part of the bile duct
- Sometimes part of the stomach
The Reconstruction Phase
After the removal of these parts of the organs, surgeons perform complex reconstruction to restore digestive continuity. Following that, the HPB team does this by reconnecting the pancreas, bile duct, and stomach to the intestine.
However, this surgery is considered the most commonly performed surgery for pancreatic head cancer. But, it also indicates for selected benign and premalignant conditions.