A Whipple's procedure is a type of operation to remove cancer of the pancreas. It is named after the surgeon who pioneered the technique and is also known as a pancreatoduodenectomy. It is only helpful if tests show that the cancer is confined to the pancreas, with no sign of spread.

The operation may involve removing all or part of the pancreas. This depends on the size of the cancer and where it is in the pancreas. To reduce the chance of cancer coming back part of the stomach small bowel (duodenum) andbile duct, as well as the gall bladder and surrounding lymph nodes are removed. Then the remaining pancreas, bile duct and stomach are joined to the intestine.

This is a major operation that should be carried out in a specialist centre for pancreatic surgery. This is to ensure it is performed by surgeons who are trained and experienced in pancreatic surgery working with specialist teams.