Whipple Surgery

The Whipple surgery, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a difficult procedure used to treat tumors of the pancreas, bile ducts, and small intestine, especially pancreatic cancer. The head of the pancreas, the duodenum, a part of the common bile duct, the gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach are all removed during this complex procedure. Whipple surgery in India can be a life-saving procedure for some patients, with a five-year survival rate of up to 25%. Despite its difficulties and risks, this procedure is still an important choice for treating some pancreatic and related conditions.

Only about 20% of pancreatic cancer patients are eligible for the Whipple procedure and other surgeries since this procedure is normally considered when the cancer remains localized and has not spread to other organs, indicating that it is potentially capable of treatment.

Eligibility for Whipple Surgery in India

Whipple surgery in India is considered for individuals with pancreatic tumors that have not spread to major blood arteries, the liver, the lungs, or the abdominal cavity. However, determining eligibility might be difficult because advanced imaging tests rarely provide definitive findings. A minimally invasive laparoscopic Whipple surgery may be an option for some patients, with possible benefits including decreased blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and fewer complications. Nonetheless, the Whipple surgery is not suitable for a large number of pancreatic cancer patients, particularly those with metastasized or locally advanced disease.

Why Whipple Surgery is performed?

Whipple surgery in India is considered a treatment option for a number of medical conditions, including:

• Pancreatic Cancer: One of the most common reasons to perform the Whipple procedure is pancreatic cancer. It provides the highest possibility of long-term life.
• Pancreatic Cysts: This approach can be used to treat specific types of pancreatic cysts that are creating health problems or are on the verge of becoming cancerous.
• Pancreatitis: When medical care for severe or recurring pancreatitis is insufficient, the Whipple procedure may be performed to relieve symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
• Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma): When cancer attacks the bile ducts, a Whipple surgery may be employed to eliminate the tumor.
• Small Intestine Cancer (Duodenum): Tumors in the duodenum or small intestine, as well as those developing from the ampulla of Vater, may require surgical removal using the Whipple surgery.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors: Whipple surgery can be performed to treat certain forms of neuroendocrine tumors that affect the pancreas or nearby tissues.
• Trauma to the Pancreas or Small Intestine: When these organs are injured or traumatized, the Whipple surgery may be performed to repair and reconstruct the affected parts.

Risk Factors Associated with Whipple Surgery in India

Some of the risks associated with Whipple surgery in India are:

• Bleeding: There may be bleeding during or after surgery, requiring further treatment.
• Infection: Infections can occur within the abdominal cavity or on the skin where incisions were made during surgery. In order to treat these infections, antibiotics and drainage may be required.
• Delayed Gastric Emptying: This complication can make eating and digesting meals difficult after the procedure, which could result in nausea and vomiting. It normally resolves after a few weeks, although in some cases, a feeding tube may be needed to provide proper nutrition.
• Leakage: Leakage from the areas where the pancreatic or bile ducts were reconnected after surgery can cause difficulties and require additional medical treatment.
• Diabetes: Removing pancreatic tissue can cause diabetes, either temporarily or permanently, particularly if a significant amount of insulin-producing cells are removed.
• Weight Loss: The majority of patients will lose weight after surgery, which can be related to changes in digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Digestive Issues: Due to a restructured digestive tract, patients may experience diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion for some time after the treatment.
• Dumping Syndrome: This occurs more often after the Whipple surgery and involves a rapid passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine, causing pain and other symptoms.
• Nutritional Issues: The procedure can lead to malabsorption, resulting in a lack of digestive enzymes, pancreatic juices, or bile, which may cause hunger problems and fatigue.

Who performs Whipple Surgery in India?

Whipple surgery is generally performed in India by a highly qualified and experienced team of doctors. The following people are key individuals in the Whipple surgery in India:

• Surgeon
• Anesthesiologists and Anesthetists
• Nursing Team
• Support Staff (radiologists, pathologists, and intensivists)

How Whipple Surgery in performed in India?

• Open Surgery: Open surgery is the standard procedure, in which a surgeon makes one large incision in the belly to access the pancreas and surrounding organs.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: This procedure, often known as minimally invasive surgery, comprises many small incisions in the stomach. Through these incisions, special instruments, including a camera, are inserted to guide the surgical tools for the Whipple surgery.
• Robotic Surgery: In this minimally invasive approach, surgical tools are connected to a robotic device, allowing the operator to precisely control the surgery from the console. This strategy is very useful in narrow or difficult-to-reach regions.
• Modified Whipple Procedure: A modified Whipple approach is used in certain cases to keep the stomach functional by not removing the pylorus.

Steps involved in the procedure of Whipple Surgery in India

• Preparation: Patient registration, surgical gown, and IV line for fluids and medications are all part of the preparation.
• Pain Management: An epidural tube or pain-relieving injection is administered to alleviate pain.
• Anesthesia and Catheterization: General anesthesia and a catheter are used to give you general anesthesia, and a catheter is then put in your bladder.
• Surgery:
  • A large abdominal incision or minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, are used to start the Whipple surgery.
  • To diagnose the level of cancer and ensure accurate removal, the surgeon meticulously examines the abdominal organs and lymph nodes.
  • Tissue samples are taken for biopsy confirmation.
  • The affected parts are then removed by the surgeon, which commonly includes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder, the bile duct, and sometimes a part of the stomach or nearby lymph nodes.
  • The remaining organs are reconstructed to make way for an unlimited supply of digestive juices and food.
• Reconstruction: The remaining organs are then reconnected to digest food.
• Recovery: After surgery, patient need to stay in the hospital for a while, eat slowly, and keep an eye out for any complications.
• Therapies: Patients may get chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy before and after surgery, known as neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, to target remaining cancer cells.

Survival Rate of Whipple Surgery in India

The survival rate after a Whipple surgery varies in India, often ranging from 20% to 25%. Factors such as cancer stage and the patient’s overall health influence the outcome. Patients with node-negative cancer, which has not spread to nearby lymph nodes, may have a slightly greater survival rate. The survival rate has increased over time, with recent mortality rates ranging from 1% to 3%, reflecting advances in medical procedures and a better understanding of pancreatic diseases, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Whipple Surgery Cost in India

Whipple surgery in India normally costs between $2400 to $9600 and more. The real cost depends on several factors, including the hospital chosen, the surgeon’s costs, the patient’s medical condition, and the location or region where the treatment is conducted. Additionally, any necessary pre-operative diagnostics, post-operative care, and other medical fees should be considered in the overall cost.

Best Whipple Surgery Hospitals in India

The best Whipple Surgery hospitals in India are known for their cutting-edge medical facilities and superior surgical expertise. These hospitals have highly qualified surgical teams that have performed difficult Whipple surgeries. Patients benefit from cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, as well as post-operative care and tailored treatment programs. These top hospitals put importance on patient safety, recovery, and general well-being.

• Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
• Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road) Bangalore
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Fortis Hospital, Bangalore (Bannerghatta Road)
• Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills Hyderabad
• Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai
• Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata
• Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon

Top Whipple Surgery Doctors in India

Top Whipple Surgery surgeons in India are acknowledged for their remarkable expertise in pancreatic and gastrointestinal surgical treatments. These prominent surgeons have many years of experience and a successful track record of Whipple surgeries. They are praised for their dedication to patient care, using cutting-edge surgical procedures and medical innovations to get the best possible results.

• Adarsh Chaudhary – Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Deepak Govil – Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
• Praveen Kumar Garg – Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
• Sameer Kaul – Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
• Suman Karanth Gupta – Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Ashok Vaid – Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Kapil Kumar – BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
• Harit Chaturvedi – Max Super Specialty Hospital Saket, New Delhi
• Puneet Ahluwalia – Max Super Specialty Hospital Saket, New Delhi