The pancreas has many functions in the body, so its tumors can have severe consequences. This is why it is so important to have a timely medical check-up. Often, pancreatic cancer is detected at advanced stages.
One of the most difficult to detect are tumors of the head of the pancreas. The most effective method to treat them is the . The most developed countries to undergo the Whipple procedure today are Germany, South Korea, and Israel.
What is Whipple surgery?
A Whipple procedure or pancreaticoduodenectomy is a surgical intervention in which the head of the pancreas and the tumor are removed. This procedure is quite difficult and can lead to severe complications if performed incorrectly. Unfortunately, most countries do not have modern equipment for this surgical intervention.
For this reason, Whipple surgery is only performed in specialized centers abroad by experienced surgeons. Whipple extended surgery also includes the removal of part of the stomach as well as the removal of the lymph nodes near the head of the pancreas. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 5 hours.
Advantages of Whipple’s procedure abroad
Whipple’s surgery is a procedure that can be performed in several ways. The first option is open surgery, in which the tumor is removed through a large incision in the abdominal area. The disadvantage of this method is severe blood loss, as well as the long recovery period. The second option is more advanced and minimally invasive and is performed through small incisions, using robotic surgery.
Thanks to minimally invasive techniques, the intervention is more sparing and the recovery period is shorter. The only disadvantage of robotic surgery is its cost. However, this is a relatively minor disadvantage compared to the benefits of the method.
After the surgical Whipple procedure, patients go through rehabilitation. The availability of modern equipment in foreign hospitals allows them to provide each patient with everything necessary to speed up the recovery, as well as to feel comfortable. During the recovery period, an individual nutritional plan is prepared for each patient, and his condition is monitored closely.
Indications for Whipple’s surgery
The main indication for pancreaticoduodenectomy is pancreatic cancer localized in the head of the pancreas. Besides, this procedure is also effective for other types of cancer:
- Cancer of the gallbladder or bile ducts
- Cancer of the greater duodenal papilla
- Small intestine cancer
- Necrosis of the head of the pancreas of various etiologies
Whipple’s surgery is essential for the successful treatment of these cancers. However, despite all its advantages, this type of treatment is not used if the patient has metastases.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Due to the closure of borders in many countries, treatment in modern medical hospitals abroad has become virtually inaccessible. Because of this, many patients have been deprived of the opportunity to receive treatment with modern equipment. To become one of those who still have the chance to be treated even during the lockdown, you can contact the medical tourism operator Booking Health.
The specialists of the company will provide you with all necessary assistance to receive professional treatment abroad even during a pandemic. In case you have any difficulties, you will be assisted with obtaining a visa for treatment and entrance permission, as well as provided with all the necessary information.
Saving on treatment abroad
As a rule, treatment abroad is expensive. Thanks to the work of Booking Health, you do not need to worry about this anymore. With Booking Health, you have the opportunity to save up to 60% of the initial cost of treatment due to the exclusion of additional fees for non-residents.
This is possible due to the direct cooperation with a huge number of foreign hospitals for many years. With Booking Health you will save not only your time and energy but also your money. Leave your request at the Booking Health website and join patients from more than 70 countries, who receive treatment in the best foreign hospitals at attractive prices.