Whipple Procedure vs. Distal Pancreatectomy: A Study on the Efficacy, Survival Rates, and Complication Rates in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

The Whipple procedure, performed for pancreatic head tumors, offers better long-term survival but carries a higher risk of complications, including delayed gastric emptying and pancreatic fistulas. In contrast, distal pancreatectomy, used for tumors in the body or tail, is associated with lower surgical complexity and fewer complications but may have less favorable survival outcomes due to the later-stage presentation of these tumors. Additionally, the frequent need for splenectomy in distal pancreatectomy increases the risk of postoperative infections.