The Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex surgical procedure used to treat pancreatic cancer. The procedure involves removing the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, a portion of the stomach, and the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.
MD Anderson Cancer Center states that if a Whipple procedure is done on the right patient for the right reason at the right time by the right surgeon, patients can expect a full return to the quality of life they had before cancer.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour connect the patients seeking Whipple procedure with international hospitals and facilitators for affordable treatments.
Let’s explore about the significance of the Whipple procedure, the procedure itself, and how medical tourism in India, Turkey, and Dubai help it.
Significance of the Whipple procedure
The significance of the Whipple procedure lies in its ability to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much of the pancreas as possible. This is important because the pancreas plays a crucial role in the body’s digestive and endocrine systems. It produces enzymes that aid in the digestion of food and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. Removing too much of the pancreas can lead to digestive problems and diabetes.
The Whipple procedure: an overview
The Whipple procedure is typically performed on patients with tumors located in the head of the pancreas. The surgery may also be used to treat tumors in the bile duct and duodenum. It is a complex procedure that can take several hours to complete.
During the procedure, the head of the pancreas, a portion of the stomach, the duodenum, the bile duct, and the gallbladder are removed. The remaining parts of the pancreas, stomach, and intestine are then reconnected to allow for normal digestion. The surgery may also involve the removal of nearby lymph nodes to prevent the spread of cancer.
Recovering from the Whipple procedure can be a lengthy process. Patients may spend several days in the hospital and may require a feeding tube to get adequate nutrition while the digestive system heals.
Cleveland Clinic states that only about 8.5% of people with pancreatic cancer live for five years and the Whipple procedure increases it to 25%.
Medical tourism for the Whipple procedure
Medical tourism has become an increasingly popular option for patients seeking the Whipple procedure. Many patients travel to countries like India, Turkey, and Dubai to receive high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost of similar procedures in the United States or Europe.
In India, for example, the Whipple procedure costs roughly one-third of what it would cost in the United States. Patients who travel to India for the Whipple procedure can expect to receive personalized care and attention from experienced surgeons and medical professionals.
Turkey is another popular destination for medical tourists seeking the Whipple procedure. The Whipple procedure in Turkey is performed by highly trained surgeons who are experienced in treating complex pancreatic conditions.
Dubai is another emerging destination for medical tourists seeking the Whipple procedure. The city has invested heavily in its healthcare infrastructure and has attracted some of the world’s top medical professionals.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour provide opportunities to patients seeking the Whipple procedure to combine their treatment with vacation at these exotic destinations for healthcare.
In conclusion, the Whipple procedure is a complex surgical intervention that is used to treat pancreatic cancer. Medical tourism has become an increasingly popular option for patients seeking the Whipple procedure.