what steps are taken to treat ampullary cancer?
The standard approach for treating ampullary cancer is to remove the tumor from the Ampulla of Vater with a pancreaticoduodenal resection, or Whipple procedure. This removes the tumor from the Ampulla of Vater and the surrounding areas. These procedures insert endoscopic instruments, or long narrow cameras, into the affected area. This helps lessen bleeding and improves the chances of recovery. The Whipple procedure has already improved the chances of living. The five year survival rate has gone from 20% to 75% within the last decade.
Whipple procedure
As noted above, the Whipple procedure is standard approach for ampullary cancer.
side effects
Though effective, the Whipple procedure comes with side effects. After this procedure, delayed gastric emptying is common. This is when the stomach has complications emptying itself. However, the most serious complication may be abdominal infection. This would be due to leakage where the pancreas and intestine were connected. 10% of patients have reported this happening to them. To manage the infection, draining tubes, antibiotics, and feeding tubes may be used.