2 Whipple Procedure Doctors in Chennai

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whipple Procedure?

Whipple Procedure is a complex surgical operation that removes the duodenum [small intestine], head of the pancreas, bile ducts, and the gallbladder. Other names for Whipple Procedure are Pancreaticduodenectomy and Kaush-Whipple Procedure. After the surgery, all the remaining organs are reattached to digest the food normally. This surgery helps to treat pancreatic cancer and other diseases related to the duodenum, pancreas, bile ducts, and the gallbladder. Whipple procedure can be performed in different ways and they are:

1. Open surgery
2. Laparoscopic surgery
3. Robotic surgery

What are the advantages of Whipple Procedure?

The following are the advantages of Whipple Procedure:

1. Treats pancreatitis
2. Cures pancreatic cancer
3. Treats pancreatic and duodenal trauma
4. Improves patient’s quality of life

What are the indications of Whipple Procedure?

Indications for Whipple Procedure are the following:

1. Chronic pancreatitis
2. Pancreatic cancer
3. Ampullary cancer
4. Pancreatic cysts
5. Duodenal cancer
6. Cancer of the lower portion of the bile ducts [Cholangiocarcinoma]

What are the steps involved in Whipple Procedure?

1. Before the surgery, the patient will be sedated using general anesthesia.
2. The doctor will monitor all the vital signs and a urinary catheter will be inserted into the bladder to drain the urine during and after the surgery.
3. Now, the surgeon will make an incision on the abdomen to access the internal organs. The size of the incision depends on the complexity of the surgery.
4. Then, the head of the pancreas, lower portion of the bile ducts, small intestine [duodenum], and the gall bladder will be removed.
5. In a few cases, a portion of the stomach may be removed along with the nearby lymph nodes.
6. Later, the remaining parts of the pancreas, intestine, and stomach are reconnected to allow normal digestion.

Who can perform Whipple Procedure [Right specialist type for Whipple Procedure]?

Whipple Procedure can be performed by:

1. Pancreatic surgeon
2. Transplant surgeon
3. Gastroenterologist
4. Hepatologist 
5. Experienced General surgeon

What is the cost of Whipple Procedure?

Cost of Whipple Procedure depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Surgeon fee
3. Method of surgery planned to be performed
4. Age of the patient
5. The medical condition of the patient
6. Post-surgical complications that are involved
7. Type of hospital
8. The admission room that you opted for
9. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc

Minimum cost for Whipple Procedure in Chennai starts from Rs.1,83,250

Average expenses for Whipple Procedure in Chennai is approximately Rs.2,37,500

Maximum amount to be paid for Whipple Procedure in Chennai rises up to Rs.5,60,500

Is Whipple Procedure a major or minor surgery?

Whipple Procedure is major surgery as it removes bile ducts, small intestine, and part of the pancreas and stomach.

What are the risks and complications associated with Whipple Procedure?

1. Leakage from bile ducts or pancreas
2. Bleeding
3. Infection at the site of surgery
4. Infection of the lungs
5. Blood clot formation
6. Delay in emptying the stomach
7. Internal bleeding

How long does it take to complete Whipple Procedure?

The surgeon may take 4-12 hours to complete the Whipple Procedure and in a few cases, it depends on the severity of the diseases and the complexity of the planned surgery.

What is the recovery time?

Individuals who undergo Whipple procedure may take 1-2 weeks [7-14 days] to recover.

What is the success rate of Whipple Procedure?

The success rate of Whipple Procedure depends on the following factors:

1. Experience of the surgeon
2. Health condition of the patient
3. The complexity of the surgery

However, the success rate of Whipple procedure may range around 65% to 86%

Is Whipple Procedure permanent?

Yes. Whipple Procedure is a permanent removal of the head of the pancreas, bile ducts, small intestine, and a portion of the stomach.

What are the long-term results of Whipple Procedure?

Some of the long-term results of Whipple Procedure are:

1. Weight loss
2. Cure in the pancreatic or duodenal cancer
3. Diabetes may occur
4. Stomach ulcers

Can Whipple Procedure be detected in future?

Whipple Procedure may be detected in the future due to the presence of the scars on the abdomen.

What are the options if Whipple Procedure fails?

If Whipple Procedure fails, then the doctor may recommend revision surgery.