Hi, My Grandfather Had a Whipple Surgery Back in 1986 (when they were new) for a Tumor in his Bile Duct at the age of 68. I'm sure that there have been major improvements in the 21 years since. He did have some complications. The Most being 10 years later, the connection between his Stomach & Small Intestines was Ulcerated and perforated. His Surgeon who repaired the Perforation informed us that this area is sensitive and is Very prone to ulceration. He told us that My Grandfather should have been on anti-acid, or ulcer medications.
My Grandfather was lucky enough to Survive the 12 hour Whipple Surgery, He Bet cancer, and through the Grace of God, He lived through this stomach rupture and resulting Cepsis/Peritonitis.
I'm Sad to say that He passed away 4 years ago at the age of 86, but it was due from Lung disease. His Cancer from the Bile Duct Never returned
I Advise anyone who had, will have, or knows anyone who will be having a Whipple, to See A Gastrointerologist regulary following this Surgery. My Grandgfather had the surgery in the 1980's, so his General Practitioner wasn't really familiar with this Surgery, (much like many other Doctors).
I Know we had to learn this the Hard way, after his ulceration surgery, He started being treated by a Gastro-Interologist who put him Prilosec & Karafate.
Medical Technology has changed so rapidlty in the last 20 years that in 1986, We had to take My Grandfather to New York to see one of the only Surgeons who was able to do it. In 1996, The General Surgeons at our local Hospitals were doing Whipples.
Whipple Surgeries I heard were as equivelant as Heart and Lung transplants. It is a Very serious Major surgical procedure. Alot of the recovery depends on you, the Patient. Diet and activity are Important. You Have to Get up and around and not be a Couch Potato. There is a Popular diet Which is called the B.R.A.T. Diet, which refers to as Bananas, Rice, Apples, & Toast. It also depends on Just How Much of the Pancreas the Surgeon takes Out. If the whole Pancreas is removed, You will become a Diabetic.A partially removed Pancreas Could regenerate and Compensate for itself. Some People have one or more drainage holes (I think that My Grandgfather had 3). They will Heal up in about a year, but make sure You Clean it every day with Perozxide, or Betadine.
My Grandfather was called a Medical Miracle by His Doctors.He is Proof that Anyone can Become Cured from this Condition.