Whipple surgery for 81 year-old mom

I have read that sometimes the surgery can be done laparoscopically. But I don’t know much about it and think it might depend on where you live, and of course, where the mass is on the pancreas or how big it is. They don’t do it laparoscopically here in Colorado that I know of. I am 71 - about to turn 72 - had the Whipple (my CA was stage 1) just 9 weeks ago. It was major, but I think I was over the majority of it - soreness, etc - by 6 wks post surgery. I wasn’t given the option of radiation instead of the Whipple.
Recommendations I read online were to ensure that the hospital where the surgery will take place does A LOT of these surgeries, also that the surgeon has done a lot of these, and is very experienced (at least 15/year, probably more is better). Because of your Mom’s surgeon sounding hesitant, you might want to get a second opinion.
I think if your Mom is physically well, and has more years left in her, she could do it. Digestion is working okay, not the same as it was yet, but not horrible and I’m not just staying at home, you gotta live! I am taking the pancreatic enzyme prescription pill (Zen Pep) before every meal, and may be needed forever, no one knows.

I haven’t had bad side effects with chemo, the 2 things that impact me the most are the fatigue (just have to take naps) and how it has altered how everything tastes! Really hard to put on the weight I lost (went from 126 - 110). But this should end sometime after chemo ends, at least I hope so.
Hopefully you will get some other responses besides mine.

Hi @alisonsullivan203
Welcome to Mayo Connect. There are a few folks on here that have had the Whipple procedure. Give it a little time for them to respond. Ok? Thanks.

I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2023. We reached out to The Mayo Clinic for a second opinion and after consultation with Dr. Patrick Starlinger, I decided to have the surgery at the Mayo Clinic. Prior to the surgery I had 6 months of chemo followed by 3 weeks of chemo/radiation. The Whipple surgery was done in April 2024 and cancer free since. My rehab took a couple of months, but I'm living a normal live with no limits on what I do or eat. Get a second opinion from a Center of Excellence in Pancreatic Cancer.

The whipple procedure is quite involved and is basically “re-plumbing” your digestive system. Pancreadectomy normally refers to the procedure to remove perhaps half of the pancreas and leave the head area intact. This procedure can be done laperoscopically (sp?) and mine was. Much easier recovery. Be sure to have it done in high volume center. Not everyone is well trained on those machines/robots!
It seems the best clinics do chemo, radiation, then surgery.

I highly recommend you get a second opinion at a Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer such as Mayo in Rochester, MN. Dr. Kendrick performs the Whipple surgery laparoscopically as well. I had my Whipple surgery done at age 68 in June, 2024 and it was the traditionally open as I had a Center of Excellence and surgeon closer to home in WI. The surgeon will determine if the surgery can be done laparoscopically or open.

My surgeon had me walking at the hospital (with help of walker) the day after my surgery and every day thereafter. Little by little, I got stronger physically as well as my appetite improved. When I was able to, I got started on physical therapy to work on regaining strength and balance. I can now walk three miles straight, and go to the gym to my yoga classes.

I am on week 12 of recovery after my Whipple (age 74) at Mayo. Both my 1st and 2nd opinion surgeons recommended open surgery with time under anesthesia as a key criteria. My open was just over 4 hours long and a lapro or robotic would have been about 2 hrs longer. As already mentioned above, even with open, I was walking on day 2 and home on day 6. I lost about 15% of body weight, with at least half being muscle mass. I have struggled to regain 5% of it so far. The surgeon will recommend what they feel is best and what they are most comfortable with based on your situation.

This is for allisonsullivan: I had a robotic Whipple in Loveland, CO 2 1/2 years ago when I was 83. Dr Joshua Tierney was the surgeon; at Medical Center of the Rockies; surgery was 8 hours long. I was Stage 2b. I chose to have no chemo after a 2 infusions with the Forflinox before the surgery which were too difficult for me.( I am still alive, now receiving Gen/Abrax which is working well with a reduced dosage; cancer is still in the abdominal area but doesn't show on a CT scan.) I was walking by myself in the hospital after 5 days. Yes, I have digestive issues, but no other problems. Hope this helps. I am living a quieter life--very limited travel, but I am not brave like some of the other participants in this website whom I admire. Otherwise, I am living a normal life enjoying family and friends; so glad to have this time relatively pain-free. Courage, Carrie

I had Whipple surgery (at age 73) 1/17/25 at MSK NYC by a great surgeon Dr Soares. Each patient recovers differently so my experience isn't the norm. My initial problems revolved about getting my new stomach to accept food. Three or four rounds of NG tubes (very uncomfortable) and a TPN bag over a 4 week period.
Eating is still a challenge but eating small amounts of food several times a day has helped me avoid the terrible heartburn that occurs at night if dinner was too much food.
Many pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed too late for Whipple so your Mother is one of the lucky ones.
Good Luck!

Thanks, everyone for your input. We meet with the surgeon early next week. It was the medical oncologist who seemed to be hesitant recommending the open Whipple. I talked to my mom today about the laparoscopic option and she’s interested in learning more. Please continue to share your experiences!

I was diagnosed with PC stage 1 at age 70 in 2023. I was in pretty good health. Had 8 rounds of chemo, a month off, Whipple (at Mayo Rochester), 6 weeks off & 4 more rounds of chemo. It’s major surgery. The recovery was less intense than I expected—probably due to expectations of hell. I am still cancer-free. That said, I think I am still regaining what I lost in the 9 months of treatment overall. It takes time, especially the older we are. I walk about an hour every day and go to the gym 3x/week.

I also had to have abdominal wall reconstruction about 18 months post-Whipple due to abdominal hernias. The surgeon said my abdomen was “Swiss cheese-like”! I was told it is not unusual to have abdominal herniation post-Whipple.