The Whipple procedure is also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy. This operation is performed to treat chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The Whipple procedure involves the removal of some parts of the pancreas (especially any cancerous portions) as well as a portion of the stomach (if necessary). The Whipple procedure is a complicated surgery due to the organs involved, and carries a higher risk of complications compared to other surgeries.
Step 1
Get the most experienced surgeon you can. According to the American Cancer Society, when the Whipple procedure is done at smaller hospitals or by less experienced surgeons, there is a greater than 15 percent chance that the patient will die from surgical complications. By comparison, there is a less than five percent chance of the surgery causing a fatal complication when it is performed by a surgeon who is experienced with this procedure. The American Cancer Society recommends that patients who are going to receive the Whipple procedure have it performed by a surgeon who does that surgery at least 20 times per year.
Step 2
Look for signs of infection and other complications. As with any surgery, there is always the risk of an infection developing at the surgical site. Be on the lookout for a fever or worsening pain in your abdomen. Also check the incision to make sure that it is healing properly and is not swollen, warm to the touch or discharging any fluid, as these are all signs of infection.
Step 3
Give yourself enough time to recover. Although the recovery time varies from patient to patient, it usually takes about a month for a patient to recover enough from the Whipple procedure to resume normal activities. After the operation, most patients experience pain and weakness. Because their digestive system is not functioning as well as it used to, many patients have to determine what foods they can tolerate through a process of trial and error. While recovering, eat small meals and avoid fatty foods. Rest as much as possible so that you don't cause damage to your abdomen while it heals.
