Whipple Procedure in Pancreatic Cancer What You Should Know
November marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness about one of the most aggressive cancers. Early detection and advanced surgical options, such as the Whipple procedure, play a significant role in improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a leading pancreatic cancer surgeon in Chennai, emphasizes the importance of understanding this life-saving procedure and its benefits.
What is the Whipple Procedure?
The Whipple procedure, also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex surgery designed to remove tumors located in the pancreas’ head. It also involves removing parts of the stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct. This surgery is typically recommended for patients with localized pancreatic cancer and offers the best chance for long-term survival.
How Does the Whipple Procedure Help in Pancreatic Cancer?
- Tumor Removal: The procedure removes cancerous tissues, preventing the spread of the disease.
- Improves Quality of Life: By addressing symptoms like pain and jaundice, patients experience better post-surgery recovery.
- Increases Survival Rate: It is the most effective surgical option for eligible patients.
Why is Early Detection Key?
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because its symptoms, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice, are not specific. Early detection through regular screenings and consultations with specialists like Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy can improve the chances of successful treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Chennai?
- Expertise in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is a highly experienced surgeon with expertise in performing complex procedures like the Whipple surgery.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: He employs state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive methods to ensure precise treatment.
- Personalized Care: Each patient receives tailored treatment based on their unique condition.
- Proven Success Rate: Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy has successfully treated numerous pancreatic cancer cases in Chennai.
Who are idle patients and eligible for the Whipple Procedure?
For the Whipple surgery, ideal patients would be those whose tumour is limited to the top of the pancreas and has not spread to closely located blood vessels, the lungs, liver or abdominal cavity. Only 20 % of pancreatic cancer patients are acceptable for Whipple procedures and surgeries.
Whipple Procedure is not an option for 40 % of recently diagnosed patients whose tumour has spread beyond the pancreas. Still, some patients could be acceptable for a minimally invasive Whipple procedure with multiple small incisions.
Is the Whipple procedure done laparoscopically?
Yes, the whipples procedure can be done laparoscopically or robotically, but we do it in very selected patients, patients who are fit for surgery per se because the whipples is a very major cancer surgery which takes about 4 to 6 hours. The laparoscopic pancreatectomy obviously prolongs the time, and so only patients who are young and very fit were not very obese who can tolerate a slightly more prolonged surgery are fit for laparoscopic or robotic pancreatectomy surgery.
What is the cost of Whipple surgery in Chennai?
Whipple Surgery cost in Chennai ranges vary from Rs. 4,00,000 to Rs. 7,00,000 However, cost of Whipple Procedure in Chennai vary depending upon the multiple factors such as diagnostics, in-patient admission, patient condition, stage of cancer, insurance approval for cashless facility, corporate policy, CGHS, EHS, ESI etc.
The Whipple procedure is a life-saving option for pancreatic cancer patients when performed by an expert like Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial in fighting pancreatic cancer.
If you or your loved ones have any questions or need treatment for pancreatic cancer, consult Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy at GEM Hospital, Chennai, or SS Surgical Clinic. Let’s work together to raise awareness and beat pancreatic cancer this November.