Why do patients get abdominal infections after the whipple procedure?

Leak from pancreas: Intra-abdominal infections after a whipple are most often due to a pancreatic leak. This operation involves creating 3 new connections to the bowel, and of these, the pancreatic connection is the most likely to leak. Studies show that leak rates can be as high as 30%. The fluid leaks out, forming an abscess, and causing fever and pain. Most patients can be treated with a drain and antibiotics.