If you have pancreatic cancer, your care team might recommend the Whipple procedure as part of your treatment. The Whipple procedure, also called pancreaticoduodenectomy, is an operation that can treat pancreatic cancer found in the head of the pancreas. It is named after the surgeon, Dr. Allen Whipple, who pioneered the technique.
It is considered the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer but it’s not an option for everyone. It’s a complex operation that involves several different organs. Whipple surgery may also be done to treat other cancers in the same region, including cancers of the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) or bile duct.
In this procedure, a surgeon removes the head of the pancreas along with the duodenum, bile duct, gallbladder and sometimes part of the stomach. Then the surgeon reconnects everything so you can digest food properly.
There are a lot of steps involved in performing the Whipple procedure. If you need it, it is important to have it done at a specialized medical center where surgeons have done a high volume of these operations.
At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, our surgeons and care teams have extensive experience treating pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers and performing the Whipple procedure. And they’re backed by our advanced cancer support services.
Not everyone qualifies for this procedure. It’s only an option for about 15% to 20% of people who have pancreatic cancer.
Your health care team may recommend this surgery if you have:
You may not be a candidate for a Whipple procedure if the tumor surrounds major blood vessels in the region or if the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
Before surgery, your care team may recommend imaging studies, lab tests, consultations with cancer care specialists and “prehabilitation” such as nutrition counseling and exercise recommendations. Banner MD Anderson provides a personalized care plan that factors in your unique needs.
The Whipple procedure can be done as an open surgery or with minimally invasive robotic techniques, depending on your case. It may take four to 6 hours to perform.
During this complex operation, the surgeon:
Like all major surgeries, the Whipple procedure carries some risk. The most common include:
By choosing to have the procedure performed by an experienced team at a trusted medical center like Banner MD Anderson, you may lower these risks.
How long it takes you to recover depends on your overall health and any complications:
Going forward, you may need:
It can take a few months to fully recover but most people are able to return to their normal activities with the right support. At Banner MD Anderson, our ongoing care includes follow-up, nutrition guidance, programs for life after cancer and support for physical and emotional adjustments.
Because pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers can be aggressive, your doctor may recommend other treatments after surgery, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to make it less likely that the cancer will come back.
If you don’t qualify for a Whipple procedure, your provider will outline other options that are available to you.
At Banner MD Anderson, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists, gastroenterologists, and dietitians works with you to create a treatment plan that’s centered around your goals, needs and preferences.
We also offer access to clinical trials, so you have more options for advanced care that might not be available elsewhere.
Choosing where to have a Whipple procedure matters. At Banner MD Anderson, you benefit from our:
How many Whipple surgeries do you perform each year? How many does your hospital perform?
If you’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or another condition that could be treated with a Whipple procedure, you don’t have to face it alone. At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, our teams provide advanced care and compassionate support every step of the way.
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