pancreaticoduodenectomy

A pancreaticoduodenectomy, also known as the Whipple procedure, is a complex surgery to remove tumors or disease from the head of the pancreas. It involves removing the pancreas's head, part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach. Surgeons then reconnect the remaining organs so they can continue to function properly. The procedure aims to treat conditions like pancreatic cancer, but it is intricate and requires careful planning. Recovery can be lengthy, and it’s performed in specialized hospitals by experienced surgical teams to optimize outcomes.