Whipple worked as a surgery professor at the University of Chicago. His pioneering work was widely recognized. It was no surprise that he refused to have the surgery named after himself. He also considered it an insult. Nevertheless, his co-workers insisted that the procedure be called Whipple continued.
How do you pronounce a Whipple in full?
The full name for a Whipple is a pancreaticoduodenectomy. It’s a major operation that involves removing the head pancreas and duodenum, as well the gallbladder. Reattaching the remaining organs allows for normal food digestion.
Whipple technique history
Whipple also goes by the following names:
Whipple resection
Whipple surgery
Duodenopancreatectomy
Pancreatoduodenectomy
Why does it call itself a Whipple process?
Allen Oldfather Whipple developed the Whipple Procedure. His first operation was in 1935. This procedure has now become a standard surgery for treating pancreatic tumors that occur in the head.
There are other medical treatments that have been named after the inventors. Some of these examples are well known:
Heimlich is the procedure to remove foreign objects from someone’s airway.
Cesarean, a procedure used to deliver large babies who cannot fit in the birth canal.
Salk polio vaccine, This is a vaccine which protects you against polio.
They are named to honour their contributions in medicine. This is a great way to remember the importance medical research and innovative medicine.
What is the Whipple procedure used only for?
Whipple does not treat only cancer. This procedure is also effective for treating other illnesses, including:
Chronic pancreatitis
Tumors of bile canal
Tumors arising in the opening of the bile-duct (where the pancreatic tube meets the duct of Vater)
Tumors of Duodenum
It’s important to know that Whipple surgery isn’t the best treatment for everybody. Other treatment methods, such as chemo or radiation, might be better in certain situations.
When considering the Whipple surgery, you should talk with your doctor to learn about your other options.
The indications and treatment of Whipple surgery
Whipple Procedure is major surgery to remove head of pancreas. It also involves removing the gallbladder. In order for the patient to be able to digest normal food after surgery, remaining organs need to be reconnected.
Whipple treatment is most common for pancreatic cancer in the head. This procedure is used not only to treat pancreatic cancer, but also other conditions.
Chronic pancreatitis
Tumors of the Bile Dike
Tumors of ampulla Vater
Duodenal Tumors
Whipple surgeries are indicated when:
The pancreatic head cancer is rare.
The treatment of chronic pancreatitis is ineffective.
A tumor of the bile tube or ampulla de Vater that is confined only to the pancreatic head
Tumors confined only to the head or pancreas.
Whipple treatment is not for everyone. In certain situations, other options such as chemo or radiation treatment may be better.
Whipple can cause complications and risks.
Itching
Infection
Leakage of surgical sites
Pancreatitis
It is possible to Diabetes
Intestinal obstruction
Death
Whipple Surgery is major surgery. You should be informed of its risks and possible complications. But it is a great treatment for cancer of the pancreas and other illnesses.