Whipple's procedure

Whipple's procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex surgery to treat tumors near the pancreas, especially in the head region. Surgeons remove the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. After removal, they reconstruct the digestive system by attaching the remaining pancreas, bile duct, and stomach to the small intestine. This allows digestion to continue and aims to eliminate or reduce cancer. The procedure is intricate and requires a skilled surgical team, but it can offer a chance for cure or symptom relief in appropriate cases.