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Expert Pancreatic Surgery by Dr. Ashok Kumar, MCh SGPGI
Call 05226664444Book AppointmentPancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) is complex surgery removing pancreatic head, duodenum, common bile duct, and part of stomach. Reconstructs bile and food passages into small intestine. Only curative surgery for pancreatic head cancer.
NPO (nothing by mouth) 6-8 hours before surgery. Bowel preparation not usually required.
Opens abdomen, assesses resectability, checks for metastatic disease.
Removes pancreatic head, duodenum, distal stomach, bile ducts, and associated lymph nodes. Careful dissection preserves blood vessels.
Creates three anastomoses: pancreaticojejunostomy, hepaticojejunostomy, gastrojejunostomy. Restores digestive continuity.
Morbidity rate 30-40%. Mortality <5% in experienced centers. Common complications: leakage, delayed gastric emptying, wound infection. Dr. Ashok Kumar's expertise minimizes complications. Success rate for achieving negative margins >90%.
Accurate estimate can be obtained from hospital while visiting the doctor. Cost depends on complexity, hospital stay, and post-operative complications. Insurance often covers this cancer surgery.
The Whipple operation, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a major operation to remove the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the lower bile duct, the gallbladder and nearby lymph nodes. In the classic version, part of the stomach is also removed; in the pylorus-preserving version it is kept. The remaining pancreas, bile duct and stomach are then joined to the small intestine.
A contrast-enhanced CT scan, and sometimes MRI or endoscopic ultrasound, shows whether the tumour can be removed safely. Blood tests including tumour markers, and a full fitness assessment, are done. If jaundice is severe, a stent may be placed in the bile duct first. Some patients are advised chemotherapy before surgery.
The Whipple operation is done under general anaesthesia and usually takes five to eight hours. It is performed through an open incision or, in selected cases, by laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Three joins are made: pancreas to intestine, bile duct to intestine and stomach to intestine.
Because this is a major operation, complications are more common than with smaller surgery. They include leak from the pancreatic join (pancreatic fistula), delayed stomach emptying, bleeding, infection and, uncommonly, death. Outcomes are better in centres with experienced pancreatic surgery teams.
Most patients with pancreatic cancer are advised chemotherapy after recovery to lower the chance of the cancer returning. The oncology team decides based on the final report.
Most people return to a near-normal diet, though some need enzyme capsules with meals.
No. It is offered only when scans show the tumour can be fully removed and the patient is fit enough.
Book a consultation: call 0522-666-4444 or use the request call back form on this page. In an emergency, come straight to the 24/7 emergency department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, Lucknow.