A pancreaticoduodenectomy, also known as the Whipple procedure, is a surgical procedure to remove the head of the pancreas, the duodenum (first part of small intestine), gallbladder, and bile duct. Once those organs have been removed, the surgeon reconnects the remaining organs to allow for normal digestions after surgery.
This complex procedure is used to treat tumors and disorders of the pancreas, intestine, and bile duct. It is most commonly used for pancreatic cancer.
Robotic-Assisted Whipple Procedure
Benefits of the robotic-assisted Whipple procedure (using the da Vinci® Xi™) include a minimally invasive approach to a complex procedure, smaller incisions, fewer complications, and more precise surgery with a faster recovery.
Patients with these conditions may benefit from the robotic-assisted Whipple Procedure:
- Pancreatic cancer, cysts, or tumors
- Pancreatitis
- Ampullary cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Small bowel cancer
- Trauma to the pancreas or small intestine
- Other tumors or disorders involving the pancreas, duodenum or bile ducts
Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
Disease in the head of the pancreas.
Organs removed during the Whipple.
Reconstruction after the Whipple.
