What is a Whipple procedure?

A Whipple procedure is a surgery that removes tumors of the pancreas, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, the head of the pancreas is removed along with lymph nodes near the pancreas. The gallbladder, the pylorus and part of the duodenum are also removed.

A Whipple procedure is performed when pancreatic cancer is confined to the pancreas and has not spread to other parts of the body. At this stage of cancer, surgery is potentially curative, according to Johns Hopkins. The surgery is complicated and takes approximately six hours to complete. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two weeks following this procedure.