“No one
will ever have
to go
through a
Whipple
alone ever
again”

— RONDA AYALA, R.N.

Whipple Procedure Hdr1
Whipl Proc Pict Main

The Whipple Procedure

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure)

A pancreaticoduodenectomy, often called the Whipple procedure, is a surgery to remove:

  • the head of the pancreas
  • part of the small intestine (duodenum)
  • the lower bile duct
  • the gallbladder

After these are removed, the surgeon reconnects the pancreas and bile duct to the small intestine so digestion can continue.

Before Surgery

  • Stay active, exercise, and eat a healthy diet to build strength.
  • Arrange for help at home after surgery.
  • You may need a bowel prep before surgery.
  • Surgery lasts 5–6 hours, and you will stay in the hospital for about 7–10 days.

Day of Surgery

  • Check in at the Same Day Surgery Unit.
  • A nurse will start an IV and give you medications.
  • You will go to the operating room (OR) with staff. Your family can wait nearby.
  • In the OR, you’ll meet the team. The anesthesiologist will give you medicine to put you to sleep.

After Surgery

  • You may spend the first night in the ICU for close monitoring.
  • You may have:
    • an epidural for pain
    • a urinary catheter
    • drains near your incision
    • a nasogastric (NG) tube to remove stomach fluid
    • compression boots to prevent blood clots

On the Hospital Ward

  • Nurses will monitor your vital signs and incision.
  • Family can visit.
  • Your incision (under the ribs, across the belly) will have a dressing and staples.
  • Staples come out in about a week, possibly by your doctor or nurse after discharge.

Pain Management

  • You will receive regular pain medicine (by IV, epidural, pump, or pills).
  • Stool softeners may help with constipation.
  • You may feel nauseous or have gas pains—walking helps relieve this.

Activity

  • You’ll be encouraged to breathe deeply, cough, and move your legs.
  • Expect to walk a little the first day after surgery and increase activity daily.
  • A physiotherapist may assist.
  • It’s normal to feel tired—build up your strength gradually.

Eating and Digestion

  • You will start with IV fluids, then clear liquids, then solid food.
  • You may need to eat small meals (4–6 times a day).
  • You may lose weight or have diarrhea.
  • Some patients need enzyme pills to help digest food.
  • There’s a small chance of developing diabetes after surgery.
  • A dietitian can help you plan meals.

Going Home

  • A nurse will explain home care.
  • You may still feel weak, so rest and avoid heavy lifting (over 5 lbs / 2 kg) for 6–8 weeks.
  • Do not drive, drink alcohol, or operate machinery if taking narcotic pain meds.
  • You’ll get prescriptions and a follow-up appointment.

When to Call Your Doctor

  • Call if you have:

    • Fever over 38.5°C (101°F)
    • Redness, swelling, discharge, or worsening pain at the incision
    • Trouble urinating
    • Vomiting, diarrhea, or no bowel movement for 3 days
    • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
    • Any other concerns

DISCLAIMER:

Call 911 if you are having a medical emergency.

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