Virtua is First in Region to Provide Robotic Whipple Surgery, a Major Advance for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Virtua Health recently became the first organization in New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia region to provide a robotic-assisted version of the Whipple procedure. This complex surgery is used to treat cancers of the pancreas and nearby structures, and can be life-saving.

The robotic Whipple procedure is a minimally invasive option that enables smaller incisions, faster recovery, and enhanced precision, compared to traditional Whipple surgery.

"Robotic Whipple is a very important advancement for people who need this complicated surgery," said Virtua pancreatic and hepatobiliary surgeon Ely Sebastian, MD, the first in the region to provide robotic Whipple surgery.

"Whipple surgery involves multiple organs and requires a great deal of precision. Robotics bring greater precision, which can result in better outcomes and fewer complications," said Dr. Sebastian, a member of Virtua Advanced Transplant and Organ Health.

Patients with pancreatic cancer often have a poor prognosis because the disease usually has no symptoms in its early stages. However, the Whipple procedure may extend a person's life and potentially cure their cancer. The robotic Whipple may offer even greater hope, due to its exactitude.

Dawn's Story: Addressing Two Types of Cancer

Medford resident Dawn-Dr. Sebastian's first robotic Whipple patient-underwent the procedure on May 5 at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden. The 65-year-old was diagnosed with a walnut-size pancreatic tumor during an emergency-room visit at Virtua Voorhees Hospital. Her only symptom was severely itchy hands and feet.

The retired finance professional was transported that night to Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes to see Dr. Sebastian. After more tests, Dawn was cleared to have surgery to remove the tumor.

"Dr. Sebastian said, 'It's curable. It's operable. Let's get it done,'" recalled the grateful wife and grandmother.

At the same time, there was a twist: a scan revealed a small, unrelated tumor in Dawn's breast.

"Her pancreatic tumor was causing a greater, more immediate risk to her health," explained Dr. Sebastian. "The care team agreed that Dawn's pancreatic cancer must be treated first, followed as soon as possible by breast cancer treatment."

Dr. Sebastian recommended the robotic-assisted Whipple procedure, as it enables faster healing-days compared to weeks-and less chance of complications than the traditional, open procedure.

Dr. Sebastian noted: "If we'd performed the traditional Whipple, Dawn would have had a bigger incision, many more days in the hospital, and a greater likelihood of hernias or other complications."

Instead, Dawn was released six days after surgery, and said she felt well enough to leave the hospital by day three. "Once I got home, I had no pain and didn't take any pain meds," she reported.

She will receive chemotherapy until December, to ensure no pancreatic cancer cells remain in her body. After that, she will undergo breast-cancer surgery at Virtua.

What is Whipple Surgery?

The Whipple procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, is an intricate operation used mainly to treat pancreatic cancer, especially tumors in the head of the pancreas. It can also treat cancers of the bile duct and duodenum, and some benign conditions such as pancreatitis.

The procedure involves removal and reconstruction of parts of the pancreas, small intestine, gallbladder, bile duct, and sometimes part of the stomach.

Not all patients are candidates for Whipple surgery, which is named after Dr. Allen Whipple of Columbia University, who first performed the procedure in 1935.

How is Robotic Whipple Different?

In a robotic Whipple procedure, the surgeon operates through several small incisions, rather than one large opening. This minimally invasive approach can reduce blood loss, pain after surgery, and scarring. Recovery from robotic Whipple surgery usually takes a week-compared to several weeks for the traditional procedure-enabling shorter hospital stays and faster return to normal activities.

The surgeon controls robotic arms equipped with specialized instruments, which provide enhanced accuracy and control in small spaces. A high-definition 3D camera shows live, highly magnified views of the surgical site on high-resolution monitors.

As a result, robotic-assisted Whipple can reduce the risk of complications, such as infection or serious digestive issues. The robotic procedure's enhanced surgical precision may also improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Sebastian uses the da Vinci 5 platform, today's most advanced robotic-assisted surgery system, which is standard across the Virtua Health network. He has performed robotic-assisted surgery for several years, including robotic liver procedures and other types of robotic pancreas surgery. (An early adopter of robotic technology, Virtua was the first organization in the Eastern U.S. to make a large-scale transition to the da Vinci 5.)

"At Virtua, we're providing more specialized surgeries than most other area health systems in our region," he said. "Offering world-class care close to home is a top priority for us as an organization."

Dawn's Gratitude & Hope for Her Future

Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Dawn led a healthy lifestyle that included regular exercise. Today, she's back to enjoying frequent walks, and looks forward to working out again once her doctor clears her to do so.

She and her husband of 38 years are enjoying visits to their shore house this summer with their family. And the couple hopes to return to Saint Martin in the Caribbean next year-their annual tradition for three decades.

Dawn credits Dr. Sebastian and the team at Virtua for making her future possible.

"I knew in my heart and mind that Dr. Sebastian was the only one I'd trust to do this procedure," she said. "He knows what he's doing. He made me feel so comfortable and always took the time to answer any questions I had.

"There are not enough accolades to describe Dr. Sebastian and his team, from his office staff to the medical staff who assist in his procedures."

For more information, visit Virtua Advanced Transplant and Organ Health or call 888-847-8823.