Whipple Procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for Pancreatic Cancer treatment in Germany
Treatment prices are regulated by national law of the corresponding countries, but can also include additional hospital coefficients. In order to receive the individual cost calculation, please send us the request and medical records.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Hernia Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Hernia Surgery offers the full range of services in the areas of its specialization. The department's surgical team successfully performs interventions for diseases of the stomach, esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Patients with various types of hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias, are also operated on here. It should be noted that the department also performs cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which is an advanced treatment method for peritoneal carcinomatosis. The specialists at the medical facility strive to provide patients with not only effective but also as sparing treatment as possible. That is why the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques is a priority. Such an approach to treatment practically eliminates surgical risks and reduces the duration of a hospital stay. The department has the status of an Expert Center for Liver and Pancreatic Surgery as well as a Competence Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, which is confirmed by the certification from the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV). In addition, the medical facility regularly demonstrates high success rates in the surgical treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, which are confirmed by the certification from the German Cancer Society (DKG).
Department of General, Abdominal Surgery and Surgical Oncology
The Department of General, Abdominal Surgery and Surgical Oncology offers the full range of services in these medical fields. Whenever possible, operations are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which are the gold standard of modern surgery. The outstanding quality of medical care is confirmed by numerous prestigious certificates, including certificates from the German Cancer Society, the German Hernia Society, etc. In addition, the department provides innovative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which is available only in the most progressive clinics in Europe.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hernia Surgery and Bariatric Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hernia Surgery and Bariatric Surgery provides the full range of surgical treatment in its field of competence. The department's highly qualified surgeons annually perform about 2,000 surgical interventions. Extensive clinical experience allows the specialists to perform even particularly complex operations. The department’s advanced operating rooms serve for surgery to treat gastrointestinal diseases, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreatic, rectal, anal and colon pathologies. The medical facility also successfully performs operations to treat hernias: inguinal, umbilical, and anterior abdominal wall hernias. In addition, the department's doctors deal with the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Minor traumatic laparoscopic interventions are considered the gold standard, which guarantee a patient minimal risks and rapid postoperative restoration. Surgeons tell the patient in detail about their upcoming treatment and, in every possible way, support them in their recovery.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery and Hernia Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery and Hernia Surgery offers the full range of modern surgical interventions in the areas of its specialization. Every year, the medical facility performs more than 2,500 surgical interventions on an inpatient and outpatient basis. The department has vast clinical experience in the field of minimally invasive surgery, which allows the patient to avoid severe pain and prolonged hospitalization. In addition, the department offers robotic surgery using the most modern models of the da Vinci surgical system. The medical facility has the status of the Reference Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery and Hernia Surgery. Surgical treatment of cancer is one of the department's clinical priority focuses. A large number of da Vinci robot-assisted interventions are performed here for gastrointestinal cancers. The department holds a leading position in the use of the da Vinci surgical system in the treatment of rectal and sigmoid cancer patients. The operating rooms of the medical facility are equipped with the very latest technology, while hygiene and safety standards are at the highest level as well. Prior to surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive examination. Doctors also assess the risks of the upcoming operation and its expected results. With appropriate clinical indications, preference is always given to minimally invasive surgery.
Department of General, Abdominal, Transplant, Hepatopancreatobiliary, Colorectal, Endocrine, Bariatric Surgery and Hernia Surgery
The Department of General, Abdominal, Transplant, Hepatopancreatobiliary, Colorectal, Endocrine, Bariatric Surgery and Hernia Surgery provides the full range of services in the areas of its specialization and holds a leading position at the national and international levels in terms of the number of surgical interventions performed and their success. Of particular interest are operations for treating diseases of the bowel, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, and endocrine glands. The department's doctors have excellent skills in the surgical treatment of cancer, surgery for liver, kidney, pancreas, and small intestine transplants, and operations for morbid obesity. The department's operating rooms are the pride of the medical facility, since they have all the necessary technical options for performing operations with the da Vinci surgical system, image-guided interventions, and endoscopic surgical procedures, which are characterized by minimal trauma rates.
Department of General, Abdominal and Vascular Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General, Abdominal and Vascular Surgery ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in the treatment of bowel and lung cancer! The department offers all the modern surgical options for the treatment of diseases of the abdominal cavity and blood vessels. The department's doctors have expert knowledge and vast experience in the treatment of colorectal cancer, stomach, esophageal, pancreatic cancers, liver metastases, inflammatory bowel diseases (diverticular disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). Also, they specialize in the surgical treatment of vascular pathologies and thyroid diseases.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Hernia Surgery and Bariatric Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Hernia Surgery and Bariatric Surgery offers the full range of effective surgical treatments in accordance with modern medical standards. Operations of varying complexity are performed on the stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, rectum, thyroid gland, and parathyroid glands in the department's operating rooms every day. The department's primary focus is the surgical treatment of malignant gastrointestinal tumors. The medical facility is certified in this area by the German Cancer Society (DKG). The team of endocrine surgeons specializes in the treatment of diseases of the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, and adrenal glands. Patients with morbid obesity are also successfully operated on here. In their work, the department’s specialists primarily use minimally invasive surgical techniques, which virtually eliminate trauma to healthy tissue during the intervention. The department's operating suite is equipped with an innovative da Vinci Surgical System, which allows the doctors to perform sparing and high-precision surgical interventions. The specialists of the medical facility strictly adhere to hygiene and safety standards and create the most comfortable conditions for each patient during their hospital stays.
Department of Abdominal, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
The Department of Abdominal, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery offers all modern surgical interventions in these fields. Specialization covers the treatment of diseases of the abdominal organs, endocrine glands, pathologies of the lungs and chest wall, pathological vascular lesions of all parts of the body. In addition, kidney transplantation and pancreas transplantation are part of the surgeons' tasks. Whenever possible, operations are performed using minimally invasive techniques that have several advantages over classical interventions.
Department of Adult and Pediatric General, Abdominal, Transplant Surgery
According to Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric General, Abdominal, Transplant Surgery ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in bowel cancer treatment! The department performs surgical treatment of general surgical diseases, abdominal pathologies, and also specializes in organ transplantation. Of particular interest are surgical oncology of the abdominal organs, as well as pancreatic and liver surgery. The department annually performs more than 3,000 surgical interventions, which contributes to its credibility at the national level.
Department of General, Abdominal and Transplant Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General, Abdominal and Transplant Surgery ranks among the top German departments specializing in bowel cancer treatment! The department offers the full range of services in these medical fields and guarantees the first-class medical care at the university level. The department specializes in the treatment of diseases of the abdominal cavity, esophagus and thyroid gland, transplantation of liver, kidney and pancreas. The medical facility has won the reputation of one of the three largest and most successful Transplant Centers in Germany. Also, within the clinical practice, doctors hold highly-specialized consultations on rare diseases and provide 24-hour emergency care.
Department of General, Abdominal, Adult and Pediatric Transplant Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General, Abdominal, Adult and Pediatric Transplant Surgery ranks among the top German departments specializing in the treatment of bowel cancer! The department specializes in the treatment of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and retroperitoneal space (peritoneal carcinomatosis), liver, kidney, pancreas, bowel transplantations in children and adults, as well as the surgical treatment of obesity and general surgical interventions.
Department of Adult and Pediatric General, Abdominal, Hepatobiliary, Endocrine, Thoracic and Hernia Surgery
The Department of Adult and Pediatric General, Abdominal, Hepatobiliary, Endocrine, Thoracic and Hernia Surgery offers the full range of services in these fields. The team of the department's surgeons is rightfully proud of their high professionalism and successfully performs operations of varying degrees of complexity for diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, stomach, esophagus, intestines, pancreas, liver, biliary tract, lungs. The medical facility also performs surgery for inguinal, umbilical and incisional hernias. The department has four high-tech operating rooms equipped with advanced surgical instruments, computer systems, devices for intraoperative ultrasound scanning, radiography, etc. Whenever possible, the department's surgeons perform low-traumatic laparoscopic procedures, after which patients need to spend only a few days in the hospital. The department has 100 beds for patient hospitalization.
Department of General, Abdominal, Endocrine, Colorectal and Bariatric Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General, Abdominal, Endocrine, Colorectal and Bariatric Surgery ranks among the top German departments specializing in colon cancer treatment! The department offers the full range of modern surgical interventions. The priority field of clinical activity is cancer surgery, in particular, sparing minimally invasive procedures and robot-assisted interventions. Each patient receives an individual therapy regimen, which is discussed at daily medical boards with doctors from other medical fields. In addition, the responsibility of the medical facility includes surgeries for endocrine disorders and bariatric interventions for morbid obesity. The team of the department's surgeons has a wealth of experience in classical open and minimally invasive procedures on the abdominal organs, as well as specializes in the innovative da Vinci robot-assisted surgery. The department also successfully performs cytoreductive interventions.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Endocrine, Hepatopancreatobiliary, Colorectal, Bariatric, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Endocrine, Hepatopancreatobiliary, Colorectal, Bariatric, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery provides the full range of services in these medical fields. The highly qualified team of the department's surgeons specializes in performing operations of any degree of complexity in the treatment of pathologies of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts, and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus, as well as endocrine disorders. The department also performs all modern interventions for vascular pathologies, including aneurysms, carotid stenosis, and intermittent claudication. Patients with morbid obesity can undergo surgical treatment using the most modern and effective techniques. In addition, the medical facility employs experienced pediatric surgeons who provide surgical care to young patients. Operations are performed both on an inpatient and outpatient basis, in accordance with the best recommendations of professional societies. Doctors at the department's state-of-the-art operating rooms perform major interventions, navigation-guided surgery, and minimally invasive surgery to ensure fast recovery of patients.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Colorectal Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Colorectal Surgery ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in the surgical treatment of gallbladder and biliary tract pathologies! The team of the department's surgeons admits patients with benign and malignant gastrointestinal diseases, namely stomach, liver, esophageal, gallbladder and biliary tract, pancreatic, colon and rectal pathologies. The department also carries out treatment for all types of hernias – the medical facility has a quality certificate from the German Hernia Society (DHG). Of particular interest is the resection of malignant tumors of the digestive system. The department's operating rooms have state-of-the-art medical equipment, therefore, in most cases, surgeons can perform interventions without extensive incisions in the skin and soft tissues, but with the use of minimally invasive techniques. Such an approach to surgical treatment greatly facilitates the patient's postoperative recovery process, reduces the risk of complications and excludes severe pain syndrome. The department's surgeons cooperate closely with gastroenterologists, hepatologists, oncologists, radiologists and other doctors from related medical fields. Doctors demonstrate high treatment success rates, use advanced surgical techniques, and observe hygiene and safety standards. Patients can be sure that their health is in the safe hands of leading European specialists.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Endocrine Surgery and Bariatric Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Endocrine Surgery and Bariatric Surgery offers a full range of surgical treatments for diseases of the intestine, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, rectum, anus, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, and adrenal glands. The department's surgeons are also skilled in inguinal, umbilical, femoral, and incisional hernia repair. An integral part of the department's daily clinical practice is the surgical treatment of diseases of organs in the chest: lung cancer, mediastinal tumors, chest wall tumors, pulmonary emphysema, myasthenia gravis, and pneumothorax. The medical facility also successfully performs bariatric surgery for morbid obesity. The department is part of the Robotic Surgery Center, which performs operations on the small intestine, rectum, stomach, and pancreas, as well as bariatric surgery using the innovative da Vinci robotic system. The department has been awarded the quality certificate by the German Cancer Society (DKG), which indicates outstanding success in the treatment of oncological diseases. Most surgical interventions are performed through a minimally invasive approach with minimal risks. The department's surgeons annually perform over 3,000 operations of varying complexity in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a complex problem in modern oncology. One of the reasons for this is a significant proportion of tumors diagnosed at the advanced stages when one has to fight not only the primary neoplasm but also its metastases, as well as the consequences of compression of the surrounding structures caused by a significant tumor volume.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the tissues of the pancreas that is located near the stomach. Most often it occurs in the head (50-80% of cases), less often in the body or tail of the pancreas.
Although the reasons for its development are still largely unknown, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to the development of this tumor, as well as diet high in fat and protein, obesity, and diabetes mellitus.
However, in many cases, cancer occurs in the absence of these factors, including in people over 50. In 5-10% of cases, there is a family predisposition. Certain genetic mutations also play a role, including mutations in the BRCA2 gene, which have already been proved to be contributing to the development of breast and ovarian cancers.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms
At the early stages of the pancreatic cancer diagnosis, symptoms are usually absent. Later, there is pain in the stomach area irradiating to the back or lower back. Weight loss and indigestion are also common. With cancer of the head of the pancreas, obstruction of the bile ducts and obstructive jaundice develop.
Diagnostics of pancreatic cancer in Germany
Diagnostics includes the following examinations:
- Laboratory blood tests
- Ultrasound examination
- Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (CT, MRI)
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- Angiography
Cancer diagnostics and further treatment in Germany are based on the biopsy results. For pancreatic cancer, a biopsy is done percutaneously under CT or ultrasound guidance.
Pancreatic cancer treatment in Germany
Although pancreatic cancer is considered extremely serious, it is still curable. In the case when a tumor is found in the head of the pancreas, doctors use the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) – the surgery that represents the most effective type of treatment. This is one of the most difficult surgical procedures in pancreatic cancer treatment in Germany, but it gives patients a chance to get rid of the disease.
Modern surgical techniques for treating pancreatic cancer can increase the survival rate and quality of life significantly. In Germany, Whipple procedure pancreaticoduodenectomy, is performed with minimally invasive laparoscopic access and is accompanied by powerful medical support. Due to this the postoperative period is significantly reduced, and patients can return to normal life within a few days after the surgery.
During the Whipple procedure, the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, and part of the biliary tract, the duodenum, and sometimes stomach are removed. In some cases, partial gastric resection is performed during the surgery. After removal of the organs, the remaining segments of the gastrointestinal tract are sutured and its patency is restored.
In pancreatic cancer, surgery may also be palliative. If the tumor is inoperable, Whipple procedure is not advisable. In such cases, a surgery is aimed at eliminating obstructive jaundice: during surgery, a stent is implanted into the bile duct or an alternative pathway for the outflow of bile from the liver into the intestine is formed.
Cancer treatment in Germany is usually complex. It consists of surgery and chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. With pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy is prescribed to almost all patients. Even in cases where surgery does not lead to a cure, chemotherapy can reduce the size of the tumor. Radiation therapy has the same effect and can be used to target large pancreatic tumors prior to surgery.
Complications of Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)
- Diabetes mellitus
Surgery on the head of the pancreas can lead to the development of diabetes. The risk of developing diabetes is more significant in patients whose blood glucose levels were above normal before surgery. In any case, after Whipple surgery, it is recommended to follow a special diet and refrain from excessive consumption of sugar.
- Fistula formation
After the surgery, where the head of the pancreas is removed, the rest of the pancreas is connected to the intestines. Pancreatic tissue has a soft texture and a tendency to tear at the suture site. Through the formed holes, gastric juice with digestive enzymes flows out. It damages the surrounding tissue and leads to the formation of a fistula. In most cases, the fistula heals on its own.
- Gastroparesis (gastric paralysis)
In the first days after the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), until the restoration of gastrointestinal peristalsis has occurred, the patient is prohibited from taking any food or drinking fluids. He receives all the necessary nutrients in the form of intravenous infusions. Approximately 25% of patients experience gastroparesis after Whipple procedures, the average duration of gastroparesis is 4-6 weeks. Then the adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract takes place, and the peristalsis of the stomach is restored.
- Disorders of intestinal absorption and digestion
The pancreas secretes enzymes that play an important role in the digestion process. The long-term effects of pancreatic surgery can manifest as digestive disorders. Patients may have diarrhea, undigested food in the feces, abdominal pain, and weight loss. In such cases, it is necessary to follow the diet recommended by the nutritionist and take medications containing pancreatic enzymes.
Postoperative period
In pancreatic cancer treatment, proper care and diet in the postoperative period are very important. On the first day after the surgery, fasting is recommended, only mineral still water and herbal tea without sugar are allowed.
On the second and third days, it’s allowed to eat soup. Thicker food is given to the patient only on the fifth day and according to the doctor's recommendations.
The patient's recovery depends not only on the skill of the surgeon but also on the own desire of the patient and the attitude towards the recovery.
Prognosis
A positive outcome depends on the time the disease was detected. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more successful and effective the surgery will be. The Whipple procedure does not give a complete guarantee of recovery, because this disease is prone to recurrence, and the type of tumor directly affects the life prognosis of patients.
Surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer is possible if the tumor is located within the organ, there are no metastases, and vital arteries and veins are not affected.
The goal of Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer is a partial or total removal of the organ. It depends on the size of the neoplasm, as well as on its location. Surgical intervention is performed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a surgeon, oncologist, anesthesiologist, and, if necessary, a radiation therapy specialist. Due to this, all aspects of the surgery are under complete control.
After the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) in Germany, a patient can expect a hospital stay of 10 to 14 days to recover and prevent postoperative risks and complications, which sometimes include infection and bleeding. Since pancreatic tissue is removed during pancreatoduodenectomy, reduced enzyme production can cause digestive problems, so long-term enzyme supplementation may be necessary after Whipple procedure.
Besides, in some cases, the patient also needs chemotherapy or radiotherapy, before or after the surgery. Additional treatment is prescribed whether before Whipple procedure in order to shrink the tumor or after Whipple procedure to reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease. The combination of therapies for pancreatic cancer increases the five-year survival rate from 25% (with exclusively surgical treatment) to more than 60% at stage I and 50% at stage II (with combined treatment).
The statistics in this area has shown that the Whipple procedure performed in a certified medical center, which employs experienced doctors who often perform the Whipple procedures, triples a patient's chances of survival. This refers to both survivors in the first days after surgery and the overall likelihood of recovery.
Due to this fact, thousands of foreign patients with malignant neoplasms of the pancreas come to Germany every year and they all undergo professional surgery.
The cost of the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)
Even though the surgery is very complicated and complex, the cost in hospitals listed on the Booking Health website is relatively low. As a rule, you can save up to 30-40% of the price here.
The hospitals that are represented by Booking Health are trying to make high-tech and complex types of surgery available to the largest possible number of foreign patients with pancreatic cancer at a lower price. Therefore, they are pursuing a cost policy focused primarily on the interests of the patients.
With Booking Health, you can book the Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer treatment in Germany at an affordable price. The cost of the procedure varies in different countries, but we can arrange a trip to Germany at a fair price.
The cost of Whipple procedure for treatment in Germany varies between 32,181 EUR and 52,560 EUR.
Where can I undergo the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) in Germany?
Among hospitals, the best success rates in Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer treatment in Germany are shown by:
- Academic Hospital Asklepios Barbek Hamburg
- Academic Hospital Brothers of Charity Munich
- University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Charite University Hospital Berlin
- University Hospital Ulm
How can I undergo the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) in Germany?
When the decision to treat pancreatic cancer in Germany has already been made, a huge number of questions arise.
Answering those questions requires specific knowledge and experience in medical tourism. It is safer, easier, and less stressful to shift some responsibility onto a medical tourism agency that can support you throughout your journey.
Booking Health is the largest and the most transparent medical tourism agency in the world. Treatment abroad is arranged by direct cooperation with leading foreign hospitals.
To undergo the Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer treatment, please leave a request on our website. We will contact you and provide you with all the information necessary.
You can be sure that by deciding to undergo the treatment of pancreatic cancer with the Whipple procedure in Germany, you will be undergoing treatment in the best hospitals in the country, doctors of which save the lives of many patients with pancreatic cancer.
