Which condition is typically treated with a Whipple procedure?

The Whipple procedure, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, is primarily indicated for the treatment of pancreatic head cancer. This type of cancer usually arises in the head of the pancreas and can cause obstruction of the bile duct and pancreatic duct, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain. The Whipple procedure involves resection of the pancreatic head, duodenum, part of the bile duct, and sometimes a portion of the stomach, which can effectively remove the tumor and nearby affected tissues.

In cases where pancreatic head cancer is diagnosed, surgical intervention through the Whipple procedure offers the best potential for curative treatment, especially in stages where the disease has not yet metastasized to distant organs. The intervention aims not only to remove the cancerous tissue but also to restore normal anatomy for digestion and eliminate symptoms caused by biliary obstruction.

Other conditions mentioned, such as gallbladder cancer, duodenal ulcer, and chronic pancreatitis, do not typically warrant a Whipple procedure. Gallbladder cancer may involve different surgical procedures like cholecystectomy and possibly hepatobiliary resection, while duodenal ulcers are usually managed with medications or other less invasive surgical techniques. Chronic pancreatitis might require surgical management for