Irving, TX – July 16, 2019 – The Whipple procedure is a surgical procedure used in treating pancreatic cancer and other conditions such as chronic pancreatitis. It is a complicated procedure that involves removing portions of the pancreas, stomach, and small intestines as well as the gallbladder and other lymph nodes near the pancreas. In some cases, the Whipple procedure can cure pancreatic cancer while in others, it will help to improve the long-term survival of the patient.

“The Whipple procedure is complicated because it removes portions of so many organs near the pancreas,” explained Dr. Echt. “It has only one variation though – it leaves the pylorus behind, which helps to keep the stomach intact. Another upside of this procedure is that it can prevent pancreatic cancer from progressing to other body parts.”

Here are some of the complications and risk associated with the Whipple procedure:

• Anastomosis leak – This is a leak that occurs when the surgeon makes new connections during the Whipple procedure. The anastomosis may not heal well, and digestive fluids will start leaking into the abdomen. The surgeon may have to put a drain in the abdomen after the operation, which will heal with the drainage. Rare cases will have patients undergo another surgery to fix the leak.

• Development of diabetes – Due to endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, there is a chance that the patient will get diabetes after undergoing the operation. Since the pancreas secrets insulin that controls blood sugar, the insufficiency will cause the patient to develop diabetes.

• Blood clots – The patient may get a blood clot in their lungs or legs because of lack of proper blood circulation during your stay in hospital. The patient is required to get up and out of bed to allow the blood to circulate well in the body. In case they have blood clots, they will be given high doses of blood thinners every day.

• Stomach ulcers – After the Whipple procedure, the body changes the way it deals with stomach acid. The intestines are vulnerable against the effects of stomach acid leading to ulcers at the connection between the intestine and the stomach. This leads to bleeding, reflux, and pain. The doctors will give the patient lifetime acid blocking medication to lower the risk of ulcers.

“The chances of long-term survival for the patient after a Whipple procedure will depend on their unique situation,” continued Dr. Echt. “For most pancreatic cancers, this operation is the only known cure. Therefore talking to your healthcare team and loved ones can help to prepare you for the procedure.”

About The Sandler-Kenner Foundation

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation, established in 2007 as the Las Colinas Cancer Center Foundation, was renamed in early 2011 in the memory of Michael Sandler and Peter Kenner, both of whom passed away from pancreatic cancer, a lethal disease that is difficult to diagnose until it has reached an advanced stage.

Visit them at https://helpfightpancreaticcancer.org/about-us/ to know more.