Whipple Procedure Surgery
(Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
A Whipple procedure (also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy) is an extensive surgery used to treat pancreatic cancer and other conditions affecting the pancreas, bile duct or small intestine. Although major surgery, a pancreaticoduodenectomy procedure can successfully treat pancreatic cancers and related diseases.
University Surgical Associates is pleased to provide Whipple procedure surgeons to those in Chattanooga, Tennessee and surrounding areas. Our surgeons provide surgery at Erlanger Hospital and specialize in robotic and laparoscopic Whipple procedure techniques. We always consider the patients’ best interests when developing a surgery plan.
If you have pancreas cancer or other pancreas issues and are interested in learning more about Whipple surgery, contact our team to set up a consultation at (423) 267-0466.
What is Whipple surgery?
Whipple surgery is the primary surgical technique for treating pancreatic cancer occurring in the head of the pancreas. During Whipple surgery, the surgeon removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum (first part of the small intestine), gallbladder, part of the bile duct and part of the stomach to effectively locate and remove any tumors and nearby lymph nodes and blood vessels if necessary. The surgeon will then reconnect the remaining portions of the pancreas, bile duct and stomach to the small intestine to allow proper digestion of food.
Who needs Whipple surgery?
Whipple surgery is commonly recommended for those with pancreatic cancer or cancer of the bile duct or duodenum. A pancreaticoduodenectomy procedure is often the only option that can lead to a potential cure for disease. In addition to treating cancer, those with chronic pancreatitis may find the procedure helpful as well.
Robotic Whipple Surgery
The Whipple surgeons at University Surgical Associates are pleased to offer robotic Whipple surgery in Tennessee. Performing surgery at Erlanger Hospital, our fellowship-trained surgeons have extensive experience treating advanced pancreatic cancer with the Whipple procedure using robotic techniques.
Robotic Whipple surgery offers benefits like smaller incisions, 3D magnified view, better precision, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, less blood loss and less pain for many patients. Learn more about robotic surgery techniques when you schedule a surgery consultation.
Trust the Whipple Procedure Surgeons at University Surgical Associates
The Whipple procedure surgeons at University Surgical Associates are board certified professionals dedicated to patient success. Trained in minimally invasive robotic surgery and specialized fellowship training in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer Surgery at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, Dr. Daniel Nelson sees patients at the USA Surgical Specialties Building in downtown Chattanooga and performs surgery at Erlanger Hospital.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about our trusted Whipple surgeons in TN, contact our team at (423) 267-0466.
