Laparoscopic Whipple Operation

Controversy with laparoscopic Whipple operation.

Whipple operation is one of the most major abdomen operation. Whipple operation is associated with significantly high perioperative complications. Since Dr Whipple described this operation, this surgery has been done with a LARGE incision. Often time extend from the right side of the abdomen to the left side ( almost to the very edge). The complication rate of Whipple operation is approximately 30 to 40 %. The perioperative mortality rate range from 0 % to 10%, average about 5%.

The controversy is what can a laparoscopic whipple operation improved these intrinsic complications.

Nobody can provide patients with an answer yet. As there need to have more data on the outcome of laparoscopic whipple operation.

However, just like most laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic whipple operation has face many inersia of reluntancy.

However, in selected hand, most advanced laparoscopic pancreatic surgeons suspect that the result of laparoscopic whipple operation is equal and non-inferior to open whipple operation.

Certainly, we smaller incisions, post operative pain will be significantly improved.