Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Care:
About the Procedure
The Whipple procedure is the most common type of curative surgery for cancer of the pancreas when the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas. During the “classic” Whipple procedure, the gallbladder, common bile duct, lower part of the stomach, all of the duodenum, and the head, neck and uncinate process of the pancreas are removed. The procedure is very complex and often requires a long hospital stay and recovery.
Whenever possible, surgeons at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital perform a “mini-Whipple.” This modified version of the “classic” Whipple procedure preserves the entire stomach, the pylorus (the sphincter between the stomach and the duodenum) and several centimeters of the upper duodenum. According to Charles Yeo, MD, FACS, Chair of Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and internationally known pancreas specialist, there is no oncologic downside to the mini-Whipple procedure but plenty of upsides including fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay.
Studies indicate that outcomes are better for patients who undergo a Whipple procedure or other related surgery at a medical center such as Jefferson where surgeons perform a high volume of these operations. So far this year, Jefferson surgeons have performed over 140 pancreatic resections and dozens of distal and central pancreatectomies (for tumors in the body and tail or neck of the pancreas).
In addition to the mini-Whipple procedure, panelists from Jefferson’s Pancreatic Cancer and Related Diseases Program will present information on how newer imaging techniques, improved screening, early detection, and innovative therapies are determining how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed and treated.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-JEFF-NOW. |
