Whipple surgery is an abdominal surgery in which the head of the pancreas is removed. The gallbladder, nearby lymph nodes and a portion of the bile duct are also typically removed at this time. The entire pancreas is sometimes removed, if necessary. The Whipple procedure is performed to treat pancreatic cancer, a benign tumor at the head of the pancreas and chronic pancreatitis, explains the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Both short-term and long-term complications may develop after surgery.
Worsening of Diabetes
According to the University of Southern California Department of Surgery, a diabetic patient may experience worsening of his diabetes after Whipple surgery. It is possible, but less likely, for a patient with no history of diabetes to develop it after surgery. These complications are due to the removal of pancreatic tissue which is responsible for the production of insulin. Lowered insulin production can lead to higher blood glucose, and the subsequent development or worsening of diabetes.
Hemorrhage
The sites where the remaining organs and bile duct are reattached can hemorrhage, explains the book, "Medical-Surgical Nursing." The bleeding may occur soon after surgery or at any stage of the healing process. A second operation and blood transfusions may be required to correct the hemorrhage.
Weight Loss
A weight loss of 5 to 10 lbs. for each 100 lbs. of initial weight is normal after surgery. The patient's weight usually stabilizes after the loss, indicates the University of Southern California Department of Surgery. It is helpful to eat snacks between meals to maintain weight.
Stomach Paralysis
The stomach is paralyzed immediately after surgery. For about 25 percent of patients, this paralysis continues for a month to six weeks, relates the University of Southern California Department of Surgery. The patient is fed via a feeding tube until her stomach begins to function properly.
Leakage
The remaining pancreas may leak pancreatic juices after surgery. These juices can harm the pancreas or other organs or tissues, potentially necessitating a second operation. The University of Southern California Department of Surgery explains that this complication occurs because the soft pancreas must be sewn to the intestine during surgery, and this sutured area is susceptible to leakage.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- University of Southern California Department of Surgery: Whipple Operation
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America: Whipple Surgery
