da Vinvi Robotic Whipple Surgery
Advanced pancreatic cancer treatment
Methodist Health System was the first hospital to perform a minimally invasive robotic Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer in Collin County.
What is the Whipple procedure?
The Whipple procedure is an innovative treatment option that usually involves removing the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, part of the bile duct, and the duodenum. Whipple surgery is also done to treat pancreatic cysts in the head of the pancreas, chronic pancreatitis or strictures in the pancreatic duct or bile duct.
Whipple surgery generally takes three to five hours to complete. You may or may not require a blood transfusion during the surgery.
The Whipple procedure can be performed robotically with the da Vinci® Surgical System.
Benefits of the Robotic Whipple Procedure for Patients
When the Whipple procedure is performed with the aid of a robot, patients benefit from five small incisions rather than one large incision.
Other potential benefits of robotic surgery may include:
- Reduced risk of infection or complication
- Reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital stay
- Reduced surgical recovery period