Whipple Procedure vs. Distal Pancreatectomy: A Study on the Efficacy, Survival Rates, and Complication Rates in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive and challenging malignancies to treat, with limited options for curative interventions. OBJECTIVE: The basic aim of the study is to find and compare the efficacy, survival rates, and complication rates of the Whipple procedure versus distal pancreatectomy in patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective observational study was conducted at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, Lahore. Patients were enrolled from November 2018 to November 2019. Data were collected from 30 patients. Data were collected from the patient's medical records to evaluate and compare the outcomes of the two surgical approaches. The 30 patients were categorized into two equal groups based on the surgical intervention they received. RESULTS: The mean age was comparable between groups, with an overall mean of 59.5 years. Tumors in Group A (Whipple procedure) were larger on average (3.8 ± 1.2 cm) compared to Group B (distal pancreatectomy; 3.2 ± 1.1 cm). Lymph node involvement was observed in 16 (53.3%) patients overall, with Group A showing a slightly higher rate (nine, 60%) compared to Group B (seven, 46.7%). Additionally, Group A had a higher mean number of lymph nodes removed (18) than Group B (15), while comorbidities were reported in 11 (36.7%) patients overall. The study found that the readmission rate was higher in Group A at three (20%), compared to two (13.3%) in Group B, reflecting the more complex and challenging postoperative course associated with the Whipple procedure. CONCLUSION: The Whipple procedure, performed for pancreatic head tumors, offers better long-term survival but carries a higher risk of complications, including delayed gastric emptying and pancreatic fistulas. In contrast, distal pancreatectomy, used for tumors in the body or tail, is associated with lower surgical complexity and fewer complications but may have less favorable survival outcomes due to the later-stage presentation of these tumors. Additionally, the frequent need for splenectomy in distal pancreatectomy increases the risk of postoperative infections.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.81091
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408787151