Whipple Surgery for Pancreas Growth
The Whipple Procedure, otherwise known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, involves the surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder and part or all of the bile duct. It is considered one of the only surgical procedures that can occasionally halt the spread of pancreatic or other digestive system malignancies.
History
The Whipple Procedure was named for American surgeon Allan Oldfather Whipple, who first performed this operation in 1935. Since then, it has become a common surgical intervention for those diagnosed with pancreatic malignancies and whose tumors have not yet metastasized.
Function
Provided that metastasis of the tumor has not yet occurred, the function of the Whipple procedure is to effectively halt the spread of the pancreatic malignancy.
Theories/Speculation
Size of the growth on the pancreas often dictates survival rates for those who undergo the Whipple operation. For tumors larger than 2.5 cm, metastases rates after Whipple procedures is roughly 42 percent.
Risks
Some risks of the Whipple procedure include infection of a portion of the bile duct or surgical site, adverse response to the anesthesia used and most commonly, diabetes.
Famous Ties
Two individuals, actor Patrick Swayze and college professor Randy Pausch underwent the Whipple operation for their respective diagnoses of pancreatic cancer. Professor his operation in 2006 and Swayze had his operation performed in 2008.
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