A 70-year-old man with resectable pancreatic head carcinoma (no distant metastases, no encasement of the superior mesenteric artery or coeliac trunk) proceeds to surgery. Which surgical procedure is performed for resection of carcinoma of the head of the pancreas?
- A Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy
- B Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) ✓
- C Total pancreatectomy
- D Central pancreatectomy
Correct answer: B. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure)
Explanation
Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) — resection of the pancreatic head, duodenum, distal bile duct, and gallbladder with reconstruction via pancreaticojejunostomy, hepaticojejunostomy, and gastrojejunostomy — is the standard curative-intent operation for resectable carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Distal pancreatectomy is used for tumours of the body and tail. Total pancreatectomy is reserved for multifocal disease or positive pancreatic margins. Central pancreatectomy is used for benign or low-grade lesions of the pancreatic neck/body.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.