Why it's done

A Whipple procedure may be a treatment option for people whose pancreas, duodenum or bile duct is affected by cancer or other disorder. The pancreas is a vital organ that lies in the upper abdomen, behind your stomach. It works closely with the liver and ducts that carry bile. The pancreas releases (secretes) enzymes that help you digest food, especially fats and protein. The pancreas also secretes hormones that help manage your blood sugar.

Your doctor may recommend you have a Whipple procedure to treat:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatic cysts
• Pancreatic 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

The goal of doing a Whipple procedure for cancer is to remove the tumor and prevent it from growing and spreading to other organs. This is the only treatment that can lead to prolonged survival and cure for most of these tumors.