Whipples Operation After Cancer Diagnosis

[Dinger2]

After a diagnosis of a malignant tumour on the bile duct. I am told Iam lucky that it is newly discovered and is not moving to any where else and the consultants at their weekly conference have decide that they could successfully perform a whipples procedure on me to remove the tumour for which I am very grateful. I have been given literature explaining whipples and it is major surgery taking around 6 hours+.I am aware they REMOVE various "parts" (about 5 or6).Iam very concerned about weight loss, which I am told will eventually return . I mean (if any A-Ber can tell me) the combined weight of the tissue that they remove? I understand that I will be put in a High dependency ward for a few days after the Op and there will be about 5-6 various "lines" attached to me for a time, can anyone what they do?

[Sqad]

This is a major procedure Dinger and i am not going to go through the anatomy of it (what is removed) as you will have been given diagrams to peruse.........anything you don't understand, then get back to us.

Why do you need to know the "combined weight of the tissue removed?" This will depend upon the size of the tumour and the organs involved e.g if the stomach is invleved.

A tube, called a nasogastric or NG tube, in your nose going into your stomach. This tube drains the fluid that naturally collects in your stomach. This gives the fluid a way to drain to prevent vomiting. The tube is usually removed the first day after surgery. The tube may be uncomfortable

A Foley catheter (thin, flexible tube) in your bladder to drain your urine. The catheter is usually taken out 3 days after surgery

A small drain or tube in your abdomen to remove excess fluid.

An intravenous (IV) line in a vein in your neck or arm to give you fluids and pain medication. It will stay in until you begin drinking liquids and eating again. This "line" may have 4or 5 small tubes going into the ONE line...this is normal and allows multiple injections.

Sequential compression sleeves (SCDs) on your legs. SCDs, also called compression boots, inflate and deflate to help your blood circulate. This helps prevent blood clots. They will be removed when you are walking or when you no longer need them

You will likely be in the hospital for 1 week...depending upon many factors...complications and rate of recovery.

That's about it.

Good luck

[tinkerbell23]

If you are concerned re weightloss post- op you would be able to see a dietician and perhaps be prescribed ensure drinks which will "build you up"

I work with a surgeon who is very keen on them for his patients aswell as high protein diets xx

[Sqad]

Perhaps a little courtesy and acknowledgement of effort involved in answering your question might be appropriate here. One is not looking for adulation or "hero worshipping", but just good manners.
You are not the only one that my post eludes to and is an undesirable trend on AB.

[Dinger2]

Yes Sqad,you are absolutely correct and I stand corrected,I have been back at the hospital today doing pre-op tests and a question air about previous treatments and late this afternoon I had a call from the consultants secretary informing me has put me on his theatre list for Thursday so they want me in tomorrow.i am very grateful for your response,which was my best answer and your'e dead right The weight of u-know what is the least of my concerns all I pray for is a successful outcome and good health.Once again many thanks to you and I promise I won't be so tardy next time around.Phil.

[Mamyalynne]

Sounds like you've had a busy day Dinger - may I wish you the very best for your procedure and recovery.

[Peter Pedant]

You shouldnt feel guilty about asking for information about something as serious as a Whipples - you have many thinks on your mind and 'TY sqad' cant rate as high

sorry to hear that you have the underlying disease and hope that it all goes well on Thursday

The lines will be drip - central venous line - arterial line, NG tube, urinary catheter, drain ( is that six ? ) I had those for a hemicolectomy oh and an epidural

when you mobilise - you can carry them all around in two large tescos bags and off you go ! I waited 15 y to tell someone that . One bag hangs on the drip that you push in your right hand

[Sqad]

Dinger........;-)

[Dinger2]

Thank you to Peter pedant for your additional advice.Thursday at the very last minute, the anaesthetist halted my op by saying she was unsure of one of my Parkinsons disease drugs (ragasiline) and it's possible reaction with the anaesthesia so she said I need to know more from your Neuological Consultant before I proceed, so the Op was abandond for 1 week, I'm in Limbo, she was very apologetic, I'm confused and desperate,I'm not in pain, I have to be patient,what can I do but be patient, we're all only human.

[tinkerbell23]

Best to be safe dinger.

Good luck for a speedy recovery.... Its not easy (im a surgical nurse) but those first few post op days keep a smile and stay positive! Eat well and MOBILIZE as much as you can.... You will thank yourself my friend xx

[Dinger2]

Thanks tinker bell,I will think of you and smile and be thankful . I w I'll. move t he body as much as poss. God bless you and yours. Salud,Dinger

[tinkerbell23]

Keep in touch!!

Looking forward to you telling me how well you are doing! X