The Whipple procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a surgical procedure used to treat tumors and other conditions in the pancreas, small intestine, and bile ducts. During the procedure, the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder, and the bile duct are removed. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove the body of the pancreas, the entire duodenum, and a portion of the stomach. The remaining organs are then rejoined to allow food to move through the digestive system after surgery. The Whipple procedure is a complex operation that can have serious risks, but it is often used to treat pancreatic cancer that has not spread beyond the pancreas. The goal of the surgery is to remove the cancer and prevent it from growing and spreading to other organs. The Whipple procedure is a difficult and complex operation that requires great surgical skill and experience. The surgery can take several hours to complete, and most patients stay in the hospital for one to two weeks following the procedure.