What to expect from a whipple procedure?

Major surgery: Whipple surgery involves removal of a part of the pancreas, small intestine & bile duct with several new surgical connections performed. Best performed by a well experienced general surgeon who has done many of these procedures. Risks of bleeding, infection, poor healing, pancreas leak, diabetes, etc.

Major surgery : Whipple procedure involves removal of head of pancreas and surrounding intestine (duodenum) as well as the end of the bile duct. The remaining pancreas and the bile duct are reconnected to the intestines, and the intestines themselves are reconstructed as well. Expect to be in the hospital 7-10 days. Major complications are possible, even death.