A Comprehensive Guide to Whipple Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer by Dr. Phani Krishna Ravula
PACE Hospitals
Cancer that begins in the pancreas is known as pancreatic cancer, it is an uncommon, deadly disease with a few identified risk factors, including smoking, genetic susceptibility, and advancing age. Initial pancreatic cancer symptoms are sometimes ambiguous and, as a result, frequently misinterpreted. Pancreatic cancer is curable if detected at early stage. Read more: Pancreatic cancer Causes, Symptoms, Complications & Prevention
The Whipple procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex surgical operation primarily performed to treat
pancreatic cancer. It involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), the gallbladder, and a portion of the bile duct. This procedure is necessary when tumors are located in the head of the pancreas and have not spread to other organs, allowing for the potential for curative
pancreatitis treatment. There are variations of the Whipple procedure, including the classic Whipple and the pylorus-preserving Whipple, which differ in how much of the stomach and surrounding structures are removed. Ultimately, the Whipple procedure can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer.
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The narrowing of the pancreatic duct is known as pancreatic duct stricture. The stricture refers to the region of the pancreatic duct that is becoming narrower. Scarring or obstructions in the pancreatic duct cause this stricture to develop. Usually, pancreatic duct strictures are not dangerous if they are treated early. Not treating them earlier might lead to complications such as pancreatitis, diabetes, malnutrition, and pancreatic cancer. Treatment for pancreatic duct stricture includes medical, endoscopic, and surgical management.
Pancreatic stones, also known as pancreatolithiasis or pancreatic calculi, these are small, hard deposits that form in the pancreas. They are made up of minerals and proteins that solidify in the pancreatic juice. The most common symptom of a pancreas stone is severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back. The pain may be sudden and intense, and it may last for several hours or days. In some cases, pancreas stones may not cause any symptoms. However, if a stone blocks the pancreatic duct, it can cause pancreatitis, can be a life-threatening condition.
Pancreas divisum is a congenital anomaly (birth defect) where dorsal and ventral buds of the pancreas fail to fuse during foetal development that occurs at approximately the seventh-week of pregnancy. Pancreas divisum doesn't show any symptoms, however, 25 to 38 % of patients with pancreatic divisium can develop recurrent pancreatitis, which can eventually become chronic. It affects around 3% to 14% of the global population.
Cancer that begins in the pancreas is known as pancreatic cancer, it is an uncommon, deadly disease with a few identified risk factors, including smoking, genetic susceptibility, and advancing age. Initial pancreatic cancer symptoms are sometimes ambiguous and, as a result, frequently misinterpreted. Pancreatic cancer is curable if detected at early stage. Read more: Pancreatic cancer Causes, Symptoms, Complications & Prevention
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