Can you live a normal life after the Whipple procedure?

Patients typically leave the hospital and go home within a week. But, for most people, it takes as long as 2 to 6 months to fully get back to a normal quality of life. Ultimately, patients should be able to do anything after surgery that they could do before.


Can you live a long life after Whipple surgery?

For some pancreatic patients, however, a complex surgery known as the Whipple procedure may extend life and could be a potential cure. Those who undergo a successful Whipple procedure may have a five-year survival rate of up to 25%.

What are the long term effects of Whipple surgery?

But a Whipple procedure is a very complex operation that often causes major changes to the digestive system. This can translate into some serious long-term effects, including abdominal discomfort, weight loss, digestive problems, and chronic fatigue.


Can the Whipple procedure be a cure?

For most tumors and cancers of the pancreas, the Whipple procedure is the only known cure.

What can you not do after Whipple surgery?

Take the pain medications whenever you need it and as instructed by your doctor. Do not do any heavy lifting or straining for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Do not lift anything over 10 pounds or 5 kg. Do not drive if you are taking pain medication because these medications can cause you be sleepy or drowsy.


Whipple Procedure for Pancreatic Cancer: Alexandra Salvador's Story



Is chemo worth it after Whipple surgery?

You should be offered chemotherapy after surgery to remove the cancer (such as the Whipple's procedure), to try to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back. There are three types of chemotherapy that may be used: FOLFIRINOX. gemcitabine with capecitabine (GemCap)

What is recovery from Whipple like?

Recovery from the Whipple Procedure

This is a complex operation that will require hospitalization for one to two weeks with the first post-surgery night spent in the intensive care unit before being transferred to the surgical floor. Patients usually remain fatigued for about two months after this operation.

How painful is Whipple surgery?

There is no doubt that the Whipple procedure is a painful operation. This is largely due to the extent of the organs being removed or rearranged and the proximity of the pancreas to nerves as they exit the spine at the back of the abdomen during the operation.


How many hours is Whipple surgery?

Whipple Surgery by the Numbers

The procedure takes 4-12 hours. Recovery in the hospital can last 7-14 days. Healing at home takes about 2 weeks. You can return to normal life after 4-6 weeks.

How long do most people live after Whipple surgery?

Patients managed with Whipple resection (n = 75) had a 30-day mortality rate of 5.3% and median survival of 16.3 months. A relatively large number of surgeons (n = 31) each performed a modest number of Whipple resections during the study period.

How hard is recovery from the Whipple surgery?

Complete recovery from the Whipple procedure can take up to two months. But in rare cases, it can take up to six months to recover. Patients usually need to take a daily vitamin with iron and a daily medication to reduce stomach acid. Some patients temporarily have trouble regulating their blood sugar levels.


Is the Whipple the hardest surgery?

The Whipple procedure is one of the most complex operations in surgery. It takes 6 to 8 hours, or longer, to perform, and the risk of complications is high. In the mid-1970s, more than one in ten patients did not survive the surgery, and, not surprisingly, relatively few patients were referred for the surgery.

Do you have a feeding tube after Whipple surgery?

Immediately after surgery, you may need intravenous (IV) feeding or a feeding tube leading to your digestive tract. As you begin to recover from surgery, you will first need to follow a clear liquids diet. Finally, your surgeon will recommend a Whipple diet.

How long is hospital stay after Whipple?

Most people stay in the hospital for 6 days after having a Whipple procedure. When you're taken to your hospital room, you'll meet one of the nurses who will care for you while you're in the hospital. Soon after you arrive in your room, your nurse will help you out of bed and into your chair.


Can you ever drink alcohol after Whipple surgery?

Alcoholic beverages should be entirely off limits in your Whipple surgery recovery diet until you are fully healed and given the OK by your Baltimore Whipple Procedure surgeon. If you drink alcohol after Whipple surgery, you could cause additional damage to your pancreas while it is trying to heal.

How long after Whipple surgery can you eat?

In summary, it is best to follow these guidelines for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. After 6 weeks of following these guidelines, begin to experiment with different foods and flavors until you find what works for you and your new GI system. Many people are eventually able to consume regular-sized meals.

How long does it take to fully recover from Whipple surgery?

Complete recovery from the Whipple procedure can take up to two months. But in rare cases, it can take up to six months to recover. Patients usually need to take a daily vitamin with iron and a daily medication to reduce stomach acid.


What foods should you avoid after Whipple surgery?

Avoid fried, greasy and fatty foods. These foods are hard to digest with an altered pancreas. Choose baked, broiled, or grilled foods instead. After a Whipple procedure, it is often recommended to limit fat intake to no more than 40-60 grams per day.

How long does it take to heal from a Whipple surgery?

Whipple Surgery by the Numbers

The procedure takes 4-12 hours. Recovery in the hospital can last 7-14 days. Healing at home takes about 2 weeks. You can return to normal life after 4-6 weeks.

Can you ever drink alcohol after Whipple surgery?

Alcoholic beverages should be entirely off limits in your Whipple surgery recovery diet until you are fully healed and given the OK by your Baltimore Whipple Procedure surgeon. If you drink alcohol after Whipple surgery, you could cause additional damage to your pancreas while it is trying to heal.


How painful is Whipple surgery?

There is no doubt that the Whipple procedure is a painful operation. This is largely due to the extent of the organs being removed or rearranged and the proximity of the pancreas to nerves as they exit the spine at the back of the abdomen during the operation.

Is Whipple surgery high risk?

The Whipple procedure is an extensive surgery that has a high risk of complications. About 50 percent of people have complications. The most common are: pancreatic fistula (leakage of pancreatic secretions)

Do you have to take Creon forever after Whipple surgery?

For how long do I have to take creon? If you have had surgery to remove your entire pancreas or if it has been damaged by cancer, you will need to take creon for the rest of your life.