Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is surgery to remove the head of your pancreas, your duodenum, the end of your bile duct, and your gallbladder. Part of your stomach may also be removed. The surgery is also called a Whipple procedure. This surgery is done when a cancerous tumor has been found in the head of your pancreas. The tumor may also be at the place where your bile duct and pancreatic duct meet, or the first part of your duodenum.

HOW TO PREPARE:

The week before your surgery:

• Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged from the hospital.
• Tell your surgeon about all medicines you currently take. Be sure to include medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
• You may need blood or urine tests before your surgery. You may also need an x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of your abdomen. Talk to your surgeon about these or other tests you may need.

The night before your surgery:

• You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
• You may need an enema the night before your surgery. This is liquid put into your rectum to help empty your bowel.

The day of your surgery:

• Take only the medicines your surgeon told you to take.
• Healthcare providers may insert an intravenous tube (IV) into your vein. A vein in the arm is usually chosen. You may be given liquids or medicine through the IV.
• An anesthesiologist will talk to you before your surgery. You may need medicine to keep you asleep or numb an area of your body during surgery. Tell healthcare providers if you or anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia in the past.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN:

What will happen:

• Your surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen. He or she will remove the parts of your pancreas and bile duct, your duodenum, and your gallbladder. Part of your stomach may also be removed. He or she will then reconnect your stomach, pancreas, bile duct, and jejunum.
• A feeding tube may be inserted into your intestines. A drain may be placed to remove extra blood or fluid from the surgery area. Your incision will be closed with stitches or surgical tape and covered with bandages.

After your surgery:

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You will be monitored closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will then be taken to your hospital room.

CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

• You have a fever.
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure.

Seek Care Immediately if

• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• You have sudden, severe abdominal pain.
• You have shortness of breath.
• You have trouble seeing, speaking, or thinking clearly.
• You feel lightheaded, faint, or have a seizure.
• Your jaundice gets worse.

Risks

Surgery may damage to your pancreas, stomach, small intestines, and other organs, blood vessels, or nerves. It may increase your risk for bleeding or an infection. Bile and other digestive juices may leak into your abdomen. You may have trouble absorbing food and nutrients after your surgery. A fistula (abnormal connection between organs) may form. You may develop diabetes. Even after surgery, the tumor may spread. You may develop a life-threatening blood clot.

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