Surgery for pancreatic cancer, often called the Whipple procedure, began in the 1930s. This surgery entails removing the head of the pancreas, a portion of the stomach, the small intestines and the gallbladder. In the past, the Whipple procedure's mortality rate reached 25 percent. Today, complications from the Whipple procedure cause death less than 5 percent of the time.
Pancreatic Fistula
According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, pancreatic fistulas occur in approximately 10 percent of patients who undergo the Whipple procedure. Pancreatic fistulas occur when the re-connection of the pancreas and intestine develops a leak. Pancreatic fistula leaks cause fluid buildups and possible infection. Fistulas almost always repair themselves and drains are commonly used to rid the body of the excess fluid from leakage.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach is paralyzed after the Whipple Surgery. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network says gastroparesis is the most common complication after surgery for pancreatic cancer. Normal gastroparesis occurs for five to 10 days after surgery, although up to 25 percent of patients have difficulties with paralysis for four to six weeks after surgery.
Mal-absorption and Weight Loss
The digestive system becomes drastically altered by surgery for pancreatic cancer. As a result, enzymes that once helped digest food become depleted. The University of Southern California says long-term use of oral enzyme supplements is necessary and that you lose five percent to 10 percent of body weight after surgery.
Infection
Infection becomes a possible complication after any surgery. Infection can occur at the incision site or internally. Signs of infection after the Whipple procedure include redness, warmth, swelling of the incision site and foul-smelling discharge from incision. Other signs include pain at the incision site or, internally, fever, chills and flu-like symptoms.
Diabetes
Production of insulin that controls blood sugar occurs in the pancreas. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin to control blood sugars adequately. Because the removal of a large portion of the pancreas takes place, diabetes is a risk after surgery. According to the University of Southern California, patients with borderline diabetes before surgery are at higher risk for developing diabetes.
