Is the pancreaticoduodenectomy a risky thing to do?

Major surgery: "whipple procedure" is major reworking of the plumbing, generally done to treat tumors of head of pancreas, neighboring ampulla of vater (entryway of panc and bile duct into small bowel). This shold be done by a surgeon who does "a lot" of these, in a place where they do "a lot" of these- often a cancer referral center. Can be a lot of perioperative, postoperative complications, longterm problems.

Yes: Historically, pancreaticoduodectomy was much feared for its high complication and mortality rate. However in experienced hands, it can be done safely. Risk is relative and depends on the underlying disease necessitating the operation, the medical condition and age of the patient, and the expertise of the surgeon and institution.