Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure)
Surgeons perform the “Whipple procedure” (pancreaticoduodenectomy) to treat pancreas tumors and tumors that have formed in the bile duct. The surgery involves removing the head of the pancreas and other portions of the biliary tract, including the gallbladder, duodenum and part of the bile duct. Sometimes, surgeons may also need to remove part of the stomach. Once the damaged organs are removed, the remaining bile duct and pancreas are reconnected to the small bowel.