Hernia post Whipple

I had my Whipple done April of 24 and have developed a hernia at the incision. I have not talked to my medical team on options, but I would appreciate your updates. TIA

Both surgery and oncology were pretty nonchalant when the hernia first appeared. It was a wait-and-see-let's-monitor-it approach--although they were clear that if I began to experience certain conditions, e.g., discomfort, fever, vomiting or nausea I should go directly to the ER. I think it is not unusual for individuals to "live with" the hernia. Mine is rather large and does limit my ability to lift. Oncology gave me a referral to general surgery. At this point I'm planning on the surgery which, in my case, will be more than a "hernia repair," but not as major as the Whipple. So...I suggest discussing it with your oncologist and/or a general surgeon.

I have developed an incisional hernia as well. I was told the same thing All is good-unless it isn’t. Then go to ER.

I met with a surgeon known to be very good with DaVinci robotic surgery. He made it clear that it can reappear if you do not stay at an optimal weight or allow to heal for about 8 weeks!

My husband also had the Whipple done and developed a small hernia while undergoing post Whipple chemo. His surgeon and oncologist were also not very concerned. He was too weak for any surgery after chemo, but they were still in no hurry after he had gained back his severe weight loss and strength. That was a mistake and we should have pressed further. In July 2024 he needed major reconstructive surgery with a general and plastic surgeon working together to remove what had grown into 3 hernias and a recovery almost as hard as the Whipple. Please anyone reading this, ask for a CT-SCAN of abdomen and don’t do the “wait and see approach” if your body is currently strong enough. Sooner could be easier both mentally and physically. Wishing you all better days in 2025.

Thank you for your report and I am sorry your husband had to go through all that. It confirms my asking for a referral to general surgery and going forward with the operation. The quarterly scans showed "multi-focal Swiss cheese like defect" and an estimated 10 cm by 10 cm opening. Both surgeons I consulted indicated I would eventually need surgery and recommended abdominal wall reconstruction. I don't want to imagine what might have happened if I hadn't asked for the referral.

Wishing you and your husband good luck and a healthy 2025.