Whipple, a surgeon at the University of Chicago and pioneer in surgery, was renowned for his work. The procedure was not named in his honor, as he considered himself a humble person dr bruce smith plastic surgeon houston. His colleagues persisted and since then, the Whipple Procedure has gone by this name.
What is the complete name of a Whipple?
The full name for a Whipple is a pancreaticoduodenectomy. The Whipple is a major surgery that removes the head of pancreas (duodenum), first portion of small intestine, gallbladder and bile canal. After the surgery, all remaining organs will be reattached to enable patients to continue to digest their food.
Whipple Procedure History
Whipple is also known by other names:
Whipple resection
Whipple Operation
Duodenopancreatectomy
Pancreatoduodenectomy
What is a Whipple Procedure?
Allen Oldfather Whipple, the surgeon responsible for its development, is the name of this procedure. The Whipple procedure was first used in 1935. It has become the standard treatment for cancers of the head pancreas.
There are many other medical procedures named for their inventors, in addition to the Whipple Procedure. Some of the best-known medical procedures include:
The Heimlich maneuver, is used to remove a foreign body from the airway of a patient.
A Cesarean Section, is an operation to deliver a large baby.
Salk’s vaccine is an anti-polio vaccine.
To honor the contributions of their creators, these procedures have been named. These procedures serve as a constant reminder to the value of medical innovation and research.
Can Whipple Surgery only be used for cancer patients?
The Whipple technique isn’t just for cancer. The Whipple procedure can be used for other diseases, including:
Pancreatitis chronic
Bile Duct Tumors
Ampulla of Vater tumors (the area where the pancreatic and bile ducts meet)
Duodenal tumors
It is also important to remember that Whipple isn’t always the right option. Other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy may be more appropriate in some situations.
It is vital that you discuss with your doctor all your options, including the benefits and risks of each.
What is the Whipple procedure?
Whipple is a major surgery that removes the head of pancreas (duodenum), first portion of small intestine, gallbladder and bile canal. After surgery, the remaining organs will be reattached to enable patients to continue to digest their food.
Most commonly, the Whipple procedure treats pancreatic carcinoma that is located in the head pancreas. It can be used for other diseases, including:
Pancreatitis chronic
Bile Duct Tumors
Ampulla of Vater tumors (the area where the pancreatic and bile ducts meet)
Duodenal tumors
Whipple surgery is indicated for:
Cancer of the pancreas that affects only the head
Other treatments are not effective for chronic pancreatitis.
The tumors are located in the head of pancreas and may be confined to either the ampulla or bile canal.
Duodenal tumors that only affect the head of pancreas
Whipple isn’t always the right choice for everybody. Other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy may be more appropriate in some situations.
The Whipple Procedure is not without its risks.
The Bleeding
Infection
The surgical site is leaking fluid
Pancreatitis
Intestinal obstruction
The Death of the Employee
It is essential to understand the risks involved in the Whipple surgery before you choose to undergo it. It can also be an effective treatment of pancreatic and other cancers.