Whipple Surgery in Turkey | Expertise & Competitive Prices 2024

Why is Whipple surgery performed?

The main reason for Whipple surgery is the presence of a tumor, usually cancerous, in the head of the pancreas or surrounding organs (bile ducts, duodenum). These tumors can be:

• Pancreatic cancer: The most common type.
• Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer): When a tumor develops in the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestines.
• Cancer of the ampulla of Vater: The area where the pancreatic duct and the bile duct meet can be the site of tumors.
• Benign tumors: Although less common, non-cancerous tumors may also require a Whipple procedure.
• Other conditions: In some cases, chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) may require this surgery.

Diagnosis of abdominal organs

To make an accurate diagnosis and determine whether a Whipple procedure is necessary, several tests are performed. These allow us to visualize the abdominal organs, assess their function, and take small tissue samples for analysis.

• Medical Imaging:
  • Computed Tomography (CT): Used to visualize abdominal organs and detect abnormalities.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides additional information about the nature of tissues.
  • Cholangio MRI: Visualizes the bile ducts.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound: Provides more detailed images, especially of the bile ducts and pancreas.

• Biopsy: Takes a small sample of tissue for microscopic analysis to confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine their type.
• Blood tests: To assess liver function, kidney function, and other parameters.

Preparation for surgery

Before the Whipple procedure, you will meet with several specialists (oncologist, surgeon, anesthesiologist, nutritionist) to assess your overall health.

Preoperative tests will be done to check for any contraindications.

It is essential that you stop smoking and take certain medications as recommended by your doctor.

A special diet may also be prescribed in the days before surgery.

Whipple surgery process in Turkey

Whipple's operation is a major surgical procedure that includes a cephalic pancreatectomy with duodenectomy, cholecystectomy and lymphadenectomy.

It involves an abdominal incision to remove the head of the pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder and surrounding lymph nodes, followed by reconstruction of the bile and digestive tract.

Once the diseased tissue has been removed, the surgeon reconnects the various parts of the digestive system to restore normal digestive function after surgery. This includes:

• Pancreaticojejunal anastomosis: The pancreatic duct is connected to a part of the small intestine (the jejunum) so that pancreatic juices can continue to flow.
• Cholangiocojejunal anastomosis: The bile duct is also connected to the jejunum to allow bile to flow out.
• Gastrojejunal anastomosis: The stomach is connected to the jejunum to allow food to pass through.

Postoperative course

The postoperative course of Whipple's procedure is an individual and progressive process. It depends on your initial health and the complexity of the surgery.

During the first few months, you may experience fatigue and pain, which can be relieved with appropriate pain medications. You may also need to adjust your diet.

A dietitian will help you gradually resume eating, starting with liquids and then solid foods, to promote healing. 

Temporary drains may be placed to evacuate fluids and prevent complications.

Regular check-ups will monitor healing, digestive function, and any recurrence.

Return to normal life is gradual, with a gradual resumption of daily activities.

Postoperative complications

Whipple's procedure is a major surgery that can lead to complications. The most common include:

• Immediate complications: bleeding, infection, blood clots, anesthesia complications, leaking stitches.
• Long-term complications: development of diabetes (if part of the pancreas is removed),digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation),malnutrition.

Quality of life after surgery

Most patients regain a good quality of life after surgery, but adjustments are often necessary. Persistent fatigue and changes in eating habits are common.

Risk of recurrence

With cancer, the risk of recurrence is real. Survival depends on many factors, including diagnosis stage and treatment response.

Additional treatments after Whipple surgery

Even after Whipple's surgery, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy are often needed. The goals of these treatments are to

• Eradicate any remaining cancer cells: Even after successful surgery, tiny tumor cells may be left behind.
• Prevent recurrence: Eliminating these cells significantly reduces the risk of the disease reappearing.
• Slow disease progression: If the cancer has spread, these treatments help slow its growth.

The choice of adjuvant treatment is individualized, depending on the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the results of pathologic testing.