Chest Pain Attacks After Whipple Procedure

 I underwent the Whipple procedure  (pancreaticoduodenectomy) on 12/26/06. I was readmitted twice for severe chest pain attacks, very similar to angina pectoris, accompanied by high fever. They were diagnosed as probable cholangitis. However, since then, I have had recurrent episodes of these acute chest pain attacks but without the fever. They usually last for just a few excruciating minutes, but leave me fearful of the next episode and anxious to determine its cause and its alleviation. My surgeon originally told me that they must be heart related, but after sending me off to another hospital, he had to take me back after they said there was nothing wrong with my heart and that it must be related to my surgery. The possibility of their being panic attacks has also been ruled out by a competent psychiatrist. Has anyone experienced or know anyone who has experienced such a complication as these acute chest pain attacks after the Whipple procedure?

On 11/19/2007 AnniePG wrote:

I don't know if it is related but my husband has had 2 episodes of acute chest pain, both in bed at night, since his whipple in September.  The 2nd time he was admitted to the hospital and no heart problem was found.  Curious.

Thank you very much for your reply. Yes, it is certainly curious. I hope there will be more replies so that we can find out if anyone has found out what causes these attacks and if anything can be done to prevent them. When your husband was admitted to the hospital and no heart problem was found, was he advised to take any medication if they occurred again or to do anything possibly to prevent them?