UPMC On Topic
Robotic Whipple Surgery: A Less Painful Way to Remove Pancreatic Tumors
A. James Moser, MD
Co-Director, UPMC Pancreatic Cancer Center and Pancreatic Cancer Specialty Care Center
Robotic Whipple surgery is the first major innovation and surgery for the pancreas since the invention of the Whipple operation in 1935. The differences between the two techniques are really profound.
The major advantage of robotic surgery, particularly for pancreatic cancer, is to give people hope. The idea is to reduce the amount of pain and suffering. Surgical treatment is just one component of the treatment for pancreatic cancer. Other components are chemotherapy, which is a very vital part of treatment, as well as getting patients back on their feet and restoring quality of life.
Robotic surgery, with much smaller incisions, allows people to get out of bed, go to the bathroom themselves, and rely less on nurses and family members to get back on their feet. People want to be independent and get on with their lives. We've had patients discharged from the hospital as soon as the fifth postoperative day and return to their usual level of activity.
The benefits of robotics
The robotic operation is a dramatic step in 21st century medicine. The robot has five arms and an advanced three-dimensional, high-definition camera. Robotic technology involves two highly experienced surgeons working together. Dr. Zeh and Dr. Moser perform these procedures as a team, working together for the best outcomes.
The surgeons bring a combination of experience and innovation to the procedure. It is this kind of innovation that has led to the development of robotic Whipple surgery.
Focusing on recovery
Many people with pancreatic cancer don't seek treatment because their impression is that nothing can be done, that the disease is always fatal. Robotic surgery completely changes the equation by reducing the time of recovery and restoring a person’s health. Other components, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, don’t seem as daunting with robotic surgery. Robotic Whipple surgery is already helping to relieve much of the anxiety related to pancreatic cancer.
For more information, contact us at 1-888-623-PANC (7262).