Is Whipple Surgery a Cure?

For most tumors and cancers of the pancreas, the Whipple procedure is the only known cure.

What is the average life expectancy after a Whipple procedure?

Overall, the five-year survival rate after a Whipple procedure is about 20 to 25%. Even if the procedure successfully removes the visible tumor, it's possible that some cancer cells have already spread elsewhere in the body, where they can form new tumors and eventually cause death.

Can the Whipple procedure be a cure?

The Whipple procedure is the only known cure for pancreatic cancer and is usually performed on patients with cancer that has not spread beyond the pancreas.